Our list of “rules” is short, but important. Be sure everyone in your group is familiar with the list below! Violators of any rules will be subject to immediate removal from RMSS without refund of any fees. These rules are to promote the enjoyment of all.
White Light
No white light after dark! Use red filtered flashlights on the observing field, including within tents and campers. There will be red cellophane available at the registration table to cover the lens of your flashlight if needed. Please pay special attention to automobile headlights, daytime running lights, dome lights, and backup lights. (Helpful tip: Rumor has it that one “click” of emergency brake will turn off your daytime running lights.) Interior lighting of RV’s must be shielded so as to not be visible from outside.
Based on issues with ‘high tech automobiles’ at past RMSS’, it’s important to understand the ‘behavior’ of your automobile at night. Some newer cars with key fobs will automatically activate lights based on proximity. If you have a vehicle with lights that are difficult to control and it creates ‘light violations’ at night then you should park your vehicle in the “after-dark parking” area. The management reserves the right to require attendees to move their vehicles to the “after-dark parking” area to keep the peace in the event of after dark light violations.
Green Lasers
Green lasers can be an excellent teaching aid. Please be respectful of nearby astronomers when shining lasers into the night sky. Shining lasers at vehicles, aircraft or people is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Shining lasers at aircraft is a federal offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The use of green lasers by children is also prohibited.
Late Arrivals
All after-dark arrivals must park in the separate roped off area. Do not drive past the “after-dark parking” area with your lights on! If you need to leave before dawn, you must park in the “after-dark parking” area.
Vehicle Speed
Minimize traffic and drive slowly. To preserve the observing field and to keep dust down to a minimum, don’t drive in and out of this site more than necessary and observe the speed limit of 5 mph.
All Terrain Vehicles & Dirt Bikes
ATV’s, dirt bikes and other off-road, unlicensed vehicles are not permitted to be operated on Colorado Springs Astronomical Society property. If you are bringing one to enjoy some of the off-road trails in the area, it must remain on its trailer at all times.
Camping and Parking Regulations
Rocky Mountain Star Stare is held on private land belonging to the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society. There are 35 acres of open and treed land. To minimize traffic (and dust) on your arrival, we ask that you park near the registration area and then spend some time walking the area to find a suitable campsite. It’s only a couple hundred yards in each direction, and beautiful country! There will be a portion of the open field reserved for large RV’s, and the balance of the open field reserved for telescopes. There are many hidden open areas back in the trees suitable for your own camping group and observing too! There will be RMSS volunteer workers to assist you when you arrive.
Quiet Time Before 11 AM Each Day
While RV’s and generators are not restricted to a “designated area”, we ask that you show due consideration to your fellow astronomers. Because many of us will be observing until dawn, it is very important that the area remain quiet before 11 am each day. Generator run times are 11 am to 7 pm. Generators must also be equipped with an approved spark arrestor.
No Open Flames/Fires
No campfires, charcoal grills, fireworks, candles, firepits, model rockets or any open flamed device is allowed! This is by order of the U.S. Forest Service, and the local volunteer fire services. However, gas stoves and grills are permitted
provided it is operated at least 24 inches above the ground and well away from combustible materials. In times of extremely dry conditions, “if you can’t turn it on or off, you can’t use it”.
Smoking & Vaping
If you smoke or vape, we ask that you respect the wishes of those that do not, and please only smoke inside your vehicle or RV. Be sure to extinguish your cigarettes completely and dispose of cigarette butts along with your trash. Do not drop cigarette butts on the ground. This area can be very dry in summer, and the risk of fire can be extreme.
Food and Trash
Cover and secure all trash and food containers inside your vehicles when not being used! This is a wildlife area and we do have bears and other animals. At RMSS 2014, two visitors returned to their campsite after a presentation during
the day to find their campsite ransacked. Their cooler was missing from where they had left it on the ground outside their tent. They later found it some 10 yards away in a grove of trees, along with signs that it had been carried there
(not dragged). Teeth marks in the top cover and side of the cooler and paw prints on the ground indicate it was probably taken by a bear cub. Those folks lost a lot of their food and unfortunately ended up departing earlier than they had planned. Also, dumping of RV waste into a portable restroom is strictly prohibited!
Leave No Trace
Please remember, this is a delicate environment. It is important that attendees practice “Leave No Trace” camping techniques just as you would in all Colorado state parks. If you bring it in, take it out! Dispose properly of all trash. Do not throw trash into ravines and gullies. For more information about “Leave No Trace”, call 1-800-332-4100.
Restrooms
Do not put anything into the portable restrooms that you wouldn’t flush at home. This includes trash, diapers, feminine products, pet waste, and RV septic waste. These items are extremely difficult to remove (yes, someone has to remove them).
Pets
While pets are not restricted to a designated area, we ask that you show due consideration toward your fellow astronomers. All pets must be either leashed or contained at all times. If your pet creates a distraction or nuisance to others in the Town Hall or other locations, you may be asked to remove your pet to your campsite
Anyone bringing a pet or pets to RMSS must immediately remove any waste or debris caused by those pets. Like all refuse, pet waste and debris must be packed out by those responsible. Anyone bringing a pet or pets to RMSS will be responsible for those pets and all of the pet’s actions. They must ensure those pets do not disturb, menace, or threaten other RMSS patrons by noise or action. This includes any damage or injury caused by the pet to people, property, animals (domestic and wild), or landscape.
Since RMSS is held near USFS land, which is home to many predators, neither RMSS nor CSASTRO will be held liable if any pets are lost, injured, or killed. All pet food and supplies must be stored in a manner that will not attract predators or scavengers (including bears, insects and other wild animals). Official service or guide animals in working harness are exempt from the above restrictions as required by law.