Astronomy Hacks: Hack 4 - Safety

[powerwindows1985]

When I first got into astronomy the safety was not something I ever thought would be an issue. There are several good tips in Astronomy Hacks regarding saftety including: Observe in a group, never leave the last person alone (use the buddy system), carry a cell phone, carry a first aid kit, take a CPR/First Aid Class, keep an eye on the weather, and interstingly carry a gun (or whistle/air horn if you are uncomfrtable with firearms).

All these are good suggestions. I would recomend to everyone to take a CPR and First Aid class. It is good information to know.

Depending on where you are keeping an eye on the weather can be very important. Along the Missouri river in central SD storms have a tendancy to come up out of nowhere.

A firearm is something I never would have thought of had it not been for my wife. After getting my scope I thought it would be great to take it to the old farmhouse she grew up in. It is in the middle of nowhere (closest town is 25 miles, nearest neighbor at least 15 miles). I am practically drooling over how wonderfull obsreving from this site is going to be when my wife commented about racoons, coyotes, and skunks. Well there went that idea. A firearm would be good if one is in such a location, however my inablity to "hit the broad side of a barn" would make a firearm quite useless (I quit hunting years ago to save myself some embarrasment).

Would be very interested in other safety tips you all might have.

Next Hack: Stay Warm

[admin]

thanks the hacks is a great series im learning quite a lot.

About skunks and raccoons. I observed in Canada a lot where there would be a lot of skunks and raccoons. They generally leave a very wide berth around people. If you are quite quiet they sometimes come close however usually this is not a problem as once they hear you they leave fast (dont spook a skunk close and suddenly, as you could get a taste of some new perfume). I would suspect coyotes to be the same (however never met one!), so if it was me I would try that area

[powerwindows1985]

I think I am going to play it safe, my brother-in-law lives in the same general area (about 10 miles from closes town, nearest neighbor about 2 miles). Really dark skies, and enough people around to make me feel a little safer. Going up that way this weekend, hoping the skies are clear.

I also found a state park along the Missouri River, about 10 miles from the nearest town. Thinking about renting one of their camping cabins next spring. Should have some good skies there.

[admin]

hello, actually good you are playing it safe. I forgot about rabies however we in Canada hope to never encounter any animal with rabies.... In Australia, I havent thought about snakes, spiders or scorpions to deadly TRIAD. Ask Vinnie about them! Vinnie?