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   Are you ready to spend your nights under the stars? Well, if the skies are clear that's what happens after dark on Friday and Saturday night. If you are a weekend guest, the observing fields around the dome are open for you to set up your telescope and enjoy our dark skies - or to visit with others and enjoy the view through their telescopes!  Of course, no evening would be complete unless you visit with "Big Blue". Warren Rupp Observatory's pride and joy, the 36" reflector telescope will be open for public viewing from the time the skies get dark until the first light of dawn. It will be aimed at a variety of objects for your viewing pleasure... from dim and distant galaxies to bright and beautiful planets. Our knowledgeable operators are on-hand to take you on a guided tour through the Universe and land you safely back down on the ground!  If you're a first time guest and you're wondering about Star Gazing and bringing your telescope... Well, here you go! We have a wonderfully large and secure area where you may set up your telescope with your camp - or you may set up an observing area and make use of the cabins. Our area is very private, well-kept and secure. If you're comfortable in leaving your telescope and equipment covered, no one will bother your things. If you have something that needs to be secured, you have only to ask a member of the Hidden Hollow staff and we will take care of it for you while you enjoy the Star Party!  If you will be a Hidden Hollow guest on a Saturday Pass and you're wondering about staying into the evening for Star Gazing, then let's talk a little about what to expect. We astronomers are a notoriously sharing lot and we love to have you view through our telescopes - as long as you remember a few simple things! Please don't touch the optics and please... No white lights. We also ask that you do not use green laser pointers as well, since some of our guests may be taking astrophotos during the evening, and the laser light will spoil their image. If you are courteous and remember to park your car below the observing hill where your car dome lights and headlights will not disturb others when you leave, you are more than welcome to spend the entire evening - or as long as you can hold out - stargazing with us!  Will there be plenty of room? You betcha'. There is a couple of acres right around the Observatory dome in which you may set up your telescope and observing area. The only rule you must observe is no vehicles on the blacktop basketball court. There is a limited amount of electrical outlets, so it is always best to supply your own "juice" for your powered telescope whenever possible. If it looks like we're going to have a large crowd, we'll also make sure to add additional "facilities" within easy walking distance of the lower observing areas, too. And you know us... There's always plenty of coffee and food nearby! We can't always promise you clear skies, but we can promise the most friendly, "at home" atmosphere of any Star Party you'll ever attend. Won't you join us? |
