The University Lowbrow Astronomers invite all Lowbrow members and guests from the general public to scheduled Open Houses, where you can view the stars, planets, and other celestial wonders through the club’s 24″ and club members’ telescopes. All Lowbrows and guests by their attendance imply their consent to abide by the following Guidelines. Any Lowbrow or guest who violates any guideline will be asked to leave.
General prohibitions
- Alcohol, controlled substances, firearms, fireworks, and pets are strictly forbidden. Smoking is prohibited.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult who assumes responsibility for the child’s adherence to the Guidelines. Be advised: there are NO bathroom facilities at Peach Mountain. Running in the observing area or on the access paths is forbidden.
- Cell phones, CB radios, and other radio signal sources must be turned off before entering the observatory grounds. These devices interfere with the Radio Telescope.
Light Etiquette
- First-time Open House visitors (Lowbrow member or otherwise) are expected to identify themselves to the Lowbrow Host on-site. Arriving after dusk: Drivers of vehicles approaching the observing area must be prepared to switch off headlights and running lights. The access road from N. Territorial is approximately 0.7 miles and makes a sharp bend to the left as it approaches the margin of the observing area. There will be a line of cones limiting access to the observing area proper in order to safeguard the night vision of Lowbrows and guests already present. For Open Houses, drivers are allowed to keep headlights on ONLY UNTIL PARKED or have received specific directions from the Lowbrow Host available for assistance.
- NO WHITE FLASHLIGHTS OR CAMERA FLASHES, PLEASE! After dusk, do not use white lights or take flash photographs either when approaching the observing area or within the observing area. They can compromise night vision. If you must use a flashlight, use one that has a red filter. If you need assistance, notify the Lowbrow Host on duty.
Telescope Etiquette
- Please ask the owner’s permission before looking through a telescope. We are happy to have visitors look through our scopes, but sometimes we are concentrating on other activities.
- Do not touch any of the telescopes, especially glass surfaces, or mounts. Touching can cause vibration of the image and can move the scope off target requiring realignment.
Lowbrow members are required to exemplify these Guidelines!