A stargazer prepares to view the night sky as dusk falls.

You may find it very handy to bring a small red light. Light at the red wavelength does not affect night vision, so at a star party you'll find that it is the only one used. You are not obligated to bring your own red light, but it will be very handy for seeing your way around in the dark. You can find these at astronomy shops or at sporting goods stores. Many are just small flashlights equipped with red filters.

If you do purchase a red light, don't make it a very bright one because that will defeat the purpose. A dim light works well, and you'll be amazed how bright it is once your eyes become dark-adapted.

Once the observing is underway, feel free to go from scope to scope and talk with everyone. They'll be more than happy to let you look through their scopes, and will also be glad to talk about the telescope, what they're looking at and anything else that interests you. This kind of discussion and chit-chat is expected at star parties, particularly from visitors; don't feel that you are imposing on them. Most star party attendees will "make the rounds" at least once during the night to see what others are looking at and what kind of equipment they brought; feel free to join in.

Likewise, don't be afraid to ask questions about what's in the sky, where different constellations are or anything else. Astronomers, particularly amateur astronomers, are used to questions like that and they typically enjoy explaining such things to other people.

Where it is dark and free of ambient light there is an interesting effect: even if you know the location of some constellations, you may find that under a dark sky there are so many stars that you can't pick out the constellations. In the days before light pollution, this is how everyone saw the sky, filled with thousands of stars. For modern city dwellers, however, it may take a bit of practice to find the constellations again.

When you're ready to leave, don't just start the engine and drive off. Let others know that you're planning to leave and ask if anyone is in the middle of an astrophoto exposure. If anyone is, the etiquette is to wait until the exposure is finished before starting the engine or turning on any lights. Even just stepping on the brake will light the very bright taillights on the car, so be careful not to step on the brake while getting into or out of the vehicle.

It's a good idea to ask the organizers of the star party when most people will be leaving so you can plan accordingly. Most club star parties usually break up a little after midnight, but that varies from club to club. It also varies with the moon. If the moon rises during the night, most people will start packing as soon as they see the horizon glow that precedes the moonrise.

When you do leave, use your parking lights instead of headlights, just as when arriving after dark.

Most of all, enjoy the night sky and the company. While they are not loud and festive, star parties are very enjoyable social affairs that are also quite educational.

With warm summer nights ahead, this is a great time to plan to attend a star party. Contact a local astronomy club and go see all the things that are right above you every night, which most people have never seen. It's an experience you'll truly enjoy.