First Time at a Star Party or Dark Sky Spot? Watch this!

In this video, we go over some tips for your first time at a star party or dark sky spot, from people who have been coming to these events for quite some time. There's always things forgotten, and some things you might not think of doing.
A HUGE thank you to:
Scott Morgan
Bill McGeeney from Light Pollution News
‪@AstroBackyard‬
‪@TheNarrowbandChannel‬
‪@astro_puppet3159‬
My Discord Mods
Adam Toder (@spacedoutpics on Instagram)
Aaron (@firstageofsand on Instagram)
You guys helped make this video possible with your wonderful tips for the community!
This video is NOT sponsored.
While all Astronomy stores are great, I HIGHLY recommend Agena Astro. Check them out here: agenaastro.com/?rfsn=7382645....
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Check out my images at astroescape.com
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Please do subscribe if you haven't: / @astroescape
Ever wonder where I get my music? At Epidemic Sound! Check them out here: share.epidemicsound.com/nunlhs
My Astro Gear:
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro:
amzn.to/3yJSfVU (Amazon)
bit.ly/3oam0NL (Agena Astro)
ZWO AM5: bit.ly/3WaH7vY (Agena Astro)
ZWO 2600 MC-Pro: bit.ly/3ByOofD (Agena Astro)
William Optics Zenithstar 61: bit.ly/3IiEv9E (Agena Astro)
Flattener for Zenithstar 61: bit.ly/3OojrCF (Agena Astro)
ZWO EAF: bit.ly/3W9UGfh (Agena Astro)
ZWO ASI294MC Pro: bit.ly/3o3Fd3R (Agena Astro)
ZWO ASI Air Plus Kit: bit.ly/3Ilevua (Agena Astro)
AC to DC 12V Power Adapter: amzn.to/3CNEx4h
EQMOD Cable (to connect ASI AIR to HEQ-5): amzn.to/3u7eUrO
Recording Gear for the Curious:
Camera: amzn.to/3BQjJKn
Microphone: amzn.to/42O91Q1
Tripod: amzn.to/3Ci0haW
Gimbal: amzn.to/3NjsiTO
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this, and pay for replacement screws I've dropped in the dark. Thank you for the support!

Пікірлер: 42

  • @TheNarrowbandChannel
    @TheNarrowbandChannel Жыл бұрын

    Looks like I was not the only one to interview Adam Toder.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Even though he doesn't have a channel like us, I think his reputation is a respected member of the community. Great dude, very knowledgeable, and super friendly.

  • @reddog1972x

    @reddog1972x

    Жыл бұрын

    It was great seeing you both... thanks for the interviews, and I was stoked we had a solid clear night during the star party! Cya at BFSP!

  • @astro_puppet3159
    @astro_puppet3159 Жыл бұрын

    Great segment! Great community! So much fun. Damn, I need to shave.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    "I need to shave" Have you seen my beard? 😛 It was great having you on!

  • @1dgram
    @1dgram6 ай бұрын

    I live in NJ. Will need to try to make it there next year

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    If you can, I hope to see you there!

  • @perry3928
    @perry3928 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Daylon. Great info. Love the astro community, willing to help and share experiences. What fun!

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Out of the many communities I've been a part of over the years, the astro community is by far the friendliest. No gate keepers, no elitists (ok, maybe some of the older folk might grumble at a thing or two.... but it's not bad)....just overall friendly and willing to help others learn on their journey of exploring the night sky. I hope the tips in this video helped you!

  • @jamescahill2643
    @jamescahill264311 ай бұрын

    Great video and it was nice to meet you this past June, lot's of good information, especially about staking down canopies or tents, the canopy at the end of the video came close to my awning on my camper! Luckily it didn't knock over anyone's gear. The wind can really pick up on the field during the day....

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    11 ай бұрын

    Yeah that canopy shot was super lucky. I was checking the mic to make sure everything was working before starting the video for the day and just caught it toppling over! It was nice to meet you too. If you'll be at Black Forest next month, see you there!

  • @AstroJeff717
    @AstroJeff71710 ай бұрын

    Great video. Heading up to BFSP in Sept and also going up in a week as well. Thanks for the great tips and content.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    10 ай бұрын

    Nice! See you at BSFP! Show me what you end up getting next week :)

  • @andesastro
    @andesastro10 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I wish i could go someday and meet so many influential people that really one way or another got me into the hobby, like you Daylon! Clear skies!

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    10 ай бұрын

    You'll make it to a star party someday, and you'll have a blast!

  • @PafMedic
    @PafMedic Жыл бұрын

    Good Video,Damn..Good Morning Trevor..My 1st Star Party,Took My Best Friend..And Was Just Getting Into Astronomy..Forgot My EP’s😂😂😂Still Had A Great Time With The 32mm I Did Have,and Checking Out What Others Are Viewing….No Laser Pointers

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Yep, laser pointers are not allowed, at least at some like the Cherry Springs Star Party. Clubs might allow them though, just check the rules!

  • @PafMedic

    @PafMedic

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AstroEscape ,Pray For Clear Skies Tomorrow,We Have A Star Party At Wagman In Tatentum💪🏼⭐️🔭😂😂😂

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    @@PafMedic I know. Unfortunately I won't be able to make that one. Camping with my brothers and some friends. I'll be at the July one though :D

  • @woody5109
    @woody5109 Жыл бұрын

    Great video, really enjoyed it.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Woody!

  • @mikehardy8247
    @mikehardy8247 Жыл бұрын

    Separate train of thought. This hobby deals with an unending variety of unique pieces. If you're into photographies many varieties, it is much more unique! Macro, it's own parts, wildlife and birding, you get the idea. Video, scinophotagrafy requires it's own set of gear. Lots of unique connectors. This makes organizing small parts, and the cross usefulness complex! How does one keep track of all this? Case in point, DUMMY battery for Canon DSLR, VIDEO, 12V to 7.4 for cinema is terminated in "D" Tap connector. Useful for feeding a DSLR from ASIair, or Pegasus power box. That connector uses a 5.5 X 2 .1 barrel connector. I moded mine with a separate barrel connector and soldering iton. How does one organize this madness?

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh, it's a mess. Imagine how it is with recording gear on top of the astro gear....

  • @mikehardy8247

    @mikehardy8247

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AstroEscape I had a hard enough time getting ready for upcoming vacation! Hope I've got what I need. Totally different this year since I have a real telescope astro camera, asiair etc. Picking up the pieces at the end, in a rush to check out, hoping you have What you came with? Don't know how you vlogers do it, especially under pressure. I'm older, and get stressed enough haha. Great full to all that do!

  • @robertgrenader858
    @robertgrenader858 Жыл бұрын

    Ever since the time I arrived in Death Valley for a week-long photo trip with only the memory cards in the camera, I've built a detailed written checklist in my journal. I sit down about 1 month prior to departure and write it all down, then check it off as I pack. One thing I am going to to is to build a second set of cables, just in case.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Always have extras! Checklists are a great way to make sure.

  • @brianfromsyr
    @brianfromsyr11 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video. My first 2 star parties will be coming up in September. Haven Star Party and Black Forest. I am not sure if I should go from one right to the other seeing I will have my tiny SylvanSport Go camp trailer and it seems people pick spots days before the event. I am not sure how scarce spots will be. I am new to Astrophotography and will have my cameras-Sony A7C , Sony 6300, ASI533 mc, Tpo 180 ultrawide and W.O. GT71. ZWO AM5 and Move Shoot Move.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    11 ай бұрын

    Nice, glad these can help! If you can get to Cherry Springs (for Black Forest) at least by mid-day Friday you should be able to find a spot. That's what I'll be doing provided they don't sell out tomorrow before I can get the ticket....

  • @brianfromsyr

    @brianfromsyr

    11 ай бұрын

    @@AstroEscape Thank you for that response!

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    11 ай бұрын

    @@brianfromsyr If you got a ticket, I'll see you there :)

  • @brianfromsyr

    @brianfromsyr

    11 ай бұрын

    @AstroEscape I do have I am happy to say. Looking forward to it.

  • @mikehardy8247
    @mikehardy8247 Жыл бұрын

    Going to throw every power cable, and USB cable in a bag before I go on vacation to darker skies! Thanks. Might suggest stacking down the Tripods in case a dog, or someone not acclimated to dark doesn't Trip. Could be person who owns it. Glow in dark tape is handy. Label the ends of the cables on your rig, so you can quickly plug them into correct ports. Dark makes everything much more confusing. I really enjoy the common sence approach you bring to light ! This could apply to any hobby where on site occurs. Hay at least bring a quality Multi-tool, Leatherman. Better a combo tip screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrenches, hex keys, metric and imperial. Your tool set (EAF TUTORIAL). fasteners will appreciate a proper tool. Nothing worse than messing up one.

  • @mikem9246

    @mikem9246

    Жыл бұрын

    Bring spare USB cables, they like to break in cold weather.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    I carry the body of the HEQ-5 in a tote, and the tote sits under it with the power supply inside because of the light the convertor throws out. I'm surprised nobody said tools when I asked.... especially Mike. I borrowed one to swap a spacer!

  • @PafMedic
    @PafMedic Жыл бұрын

    Was Also Going To Say,As Far As You Guys That Live In The Area Or Within A Cpl Hours,I Wouldnt Mind A Session Or 2 With Learning My Mount And PA,and Would Even Pay What I Could,But Hoping Our Star Party Tomorrow Night Isnt Cancelled,and Weather Clears Up,Thank You..God Bless And Clear Skies🙏🏻❤️❤️🔭✨🌏

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    Sadly both this weekend have been canceled. Even if it cleared up, humidity would dew things up fast 😔

  • @PafMedic

    @PafMedic

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AstroEscape Yeah,I Got My Email From Eric🤨,And Just Took 1/2 Day Nap😂😂😂Imma Be Up All Night Anyway,Mingo Is Cancelled As Well,How Far Are You From Elderton,When Its Clear Its Reasonably Dark With A Bortle 4 Sky,and Im The Only 1 Around With A Scope..I Have 6 Now,Gonna Have A Mini Star Party On My Own In 1 Of The Ball Fields One Of These Nights,Or Over At The Ambulance😂

  • @mr.x8382
    @mr.x8382 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, where do I find where Star parties are going to be and when? I would love to go to one?

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    Жыл бұрын

    A good place to start is on Cloudy Nights. There's always discussions about upcoming events there, and they aren't always for the same location. From there, if the ones you are interested in have a Facebook/Twitter, you can follow them for when they post the event dates and registration dates.

  • @mr.x8382

    @mr.x8382

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AstroEscape thanks for the info! Love your channel!

  • @vanhouten64
    @vanhouten649 ай бұрын

    What's a "spacer"? Must be some photography thing, lol. I'm strictly visual.

  • @AstroEscape

    @AstroEscape

    3 ай бұрын

    Yep, it is part of the camera mounting system for the telescope.