Information for Visitors:
This is a dark sky star party, meaning there is no moon in the sky.  This condition is suitable to viewing more distant objects.  However, white Lights destroy night vision, critical to this type of observing.  If you bring a flash light it needs to be red, or you can place a red film in the lense, usually available at any craftstore.  

After dark it is always colder than you think it will be.  Dress in layers so you can respond to conditions.  When at the scope feel free to refocus to your own eyes but try not to move the scope from the target. To focus find a single star, if available, and focus to make the star as small as you can make it, then look at the targeted object.  Dim objects, strangly, are best seen if you don't look directly at them but slightly to one side, basically using periphrial vison. 

The eye does not see objects in a telescope with the detail or color of hubble telescope images.  However, viewing a picture is not the same thing as seeing a distant celestial object with your own eyes.  In the later case you are directly witnessing the universe and the image you see represents photons that have traveled across the vastness of space and time to fall upon your retina. It also important to know something about what you are seeing.  Don't hesitate to ask your host to elaborate on each object shown. 

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http://http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/summer-star-party-60773/