Hello Friend,

A lot of folks make last minute decisions to attend Star Parties  based
strictly on weather forecasts. I am here to tell you once and for all, that that
is the LAST reason to base your decision to attend a star Party..

Really, since  you simply cannot count on the weather.

However....you can count on meeting other fellow amateur astronomers,
making new friends, and saying Hello to some old ones.

Plus, there is nothing like seeing all that equipment first hand, which look far more interesting than
they do in the magazine ads in the pages of the Astronomy publications.

Amateur Astronomers love to share their experiences
with telescopes, Solar Viewing instruments,  CCD imagers,eyepieces,
accessories.

In fact, I believe I have been introduced to more stuff at Star
Parties, that I didn't know about,than any other way.

Before you go, here is some Quick Star Party etiquette:

1)Do take a red flashlight  with you to use at night. (cover a regular
flashlite with red cellophane or use red nail polish for a quick fix
or buy a RED LED flashlight.

White light is a no no at Star Parties! Same for Car headlights, approaching a
Star party at night. Please cover them with red cellophane or red cloth
available at fabric stores. Also provided at no charge, at the Starfest registration.

2) Look, Don't touch: Amateur Astronomers are happy to show you their
equipment, but please be respectful and do not touch
unless invited to do so.

3)Children: Bring them along, as their are usually other kids to play with
    and River Place park does have an outdoor swimming pool!
    And Starfest has some kids astronomy programs as well.

4)Have a basic star chart or planisphere with you; Just like back on the
ground, and try to make sense of the constellations and
night sky around you.

Pick up the lastest astronomy magazine which will tell you
what highlights are visible at the time you are going.

5)Dress in Layers: it can get cool at night, even in the Summer. So make sure
you dress warm, drink either Hot Chocolate, coffee or tea.
The red lite cafe, that operates in the evening at Starfest offers ,hot and cold
drinks, and snacks late into the night.

Avoid alcohol:  it dilates your pupils (amongst other things!)

6)Be sure to attend lectures and presentations if offered. Even one little
tip at one of these talks, can go a long way! 

7) Pets; We all love pets, however Star Party's are probably not the best place
    for them, since it can be hot during the day, and cool at night.
    Please leave your pet tarantula at home!
   
Pack up the family, the telescope,and/or binoculars and head off to a new
adventure this Summer!

You will be glad that you did....

Clear Skies,

Ray Khan

PS If you are attending Starfest, and would like us to deliver an accessory or telescope to the event,
we will be pleased to do so. Please call the store Toll Free 1 800 580 7160 or Local 416 783
4140, and as long as the item is in stock, we will bring it to the event for you.

We will have a Display tent at Starfest, and we invite you to drop by and say "Hello"!

PPS Don't miss the Amazing Mallincam Live Demonstration Friday and Saturday night by Glenn Norman
and Francois Van Heerden. You won't believe what your eyes will show you.  They are also giving a
presentation on the Mallincam in the Main Tent Friday  August 17th at 2pm.

Khan Scope Centre
3243 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario. Canada
M6A 2T2

Toll Free: 1 800 580 7160

phone: 416 783 4140

24 hour fax: 416 352 1701

email: info@khanscope.com

website: www.khanscope.com