Find details about regional Atlanta dark sky observing locations here. Note the special rules for observing at Deerlick Astronomy Village.
In response to the amount of feedback the Atlanta Astronomy Club has received regarding etiquette for the Dark Sky observing sessions, we ask everyone who is planning on participating to consider the following:
Weather
Dark sky observing and public stargazing events are weather dependent, so if it looks to be 50% or more chance of clouds / rain the event will likely be cancelled.
Duration
We ask that everyone aim to arrive before sunset. Allow sufficient time to set up in daylight so that you avoid interior and exterior car lights that disturb fellow observers. Once you have set up your equipment, we encourage you to stay up all night and observe.
Respect each other's equipment
Observers may have one or more telescopes set up around them. Most will be doing visual observing, but some may be taking pictures with their scopes. Always ask before viewing through, or touching, someone else’s scope. Most observers are willing to share views and happy to do so, but others may be imaging, or working through an observing list, and may not want to be interrupted - please just ask.
Lights and fires
We have some pretty strict lighting rules at the dark sky astronomy fields. No white lights are allowed, and only dim red flashlights are to be used to preserve everyone’s night vision so everyone can fully enjoy the dark skies. Please avoid using your cellphone flashlight feature. No fires or cooking with flame after dark.
During your setup, please remember to turn off interior car lights, or cover them with tape, in case you need to open your car after nightfall.
Parking
Once you have entered the astronomy field, please orient your vehicle to face the field exit gate so as not to cause disruption if you are leaving while it is still dark.
Car lights
If you are leaving after nightfall to head home, or relocate to a local camping area, we ask that you please not turn on your car headlights until you have left the parking area. If possible, kindly alert other observers that you are leaving so they can close their eyes until you are gone, and preserve their night vision.
Also be mindful of interior car lights coming on when the car door opens. These can be covered with tape to block lights.
Special rules for Deerlick Astronomy Village: The park gate is closed at sunset, and will not re-open again until sunrise in order to eliminate car lights that impact both the residential side of the village, and the Grier Field member area, from the road between them.
Camping
Camping is allowed and recommend for dark sky events except if held at Brasstown Bald or Charlie Elliot (no camping is allowed at either of these parks, however some stargazers do take naps in their cars).
Treat every visit to a dark sky astronomy field as you would a camping trip, and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the weather and the environment, bring snacks and drinks if needed, invest in a powerbank, don't lose your keys, and take your trash with you.
These rules may sound harsh at first, but everyone at these locations has traveled a long way to enjoy the darkest skies in Georgia, and these rules exist so every observer can do just that! 🙂