Home

What to bring along?

What kind of observing instrument can be brought at the Milky Way Voyage?

    The Milky Way Voyage will see virtually every kind of optical aid used by amateur astronomers today. Everything from the unaided eye! and binoculars, to telescopes, refractors and light buckets. Many will be home-made. Some will be computer controlled while others will be star-hopping across the sky by hand. You can expect to see sketching, conventional film astrophotography, as well as the latest DSLR digital imaging systems being employed to record observations. You do not need to own a telescope to attend the Milky Way Voyage if you don't own one. If you require electricity will be provided for running your telescope, but do get a long extension cord along.

If you do own an instrument bring it along!
 

    Amateurs attending the Milky Way Voyage would think that they can look through their own telescope any time they wish, at home, so while coming to Nainital, wouldn't think of taking their telescope with them, "I'll spend my time looking through everyone else's telescope." What if everyone coming over thought the same thing. Not fair! there is no excuse for not bringing your own telescope - if you have one. Even if you only have a small telescope, it is only fair to every one else to bring it with you, and not just go to look through the largest telescopes. You may have a model that someone else would like to see. Don't expect everyone else to do all the work, so you can be entertained. You should do your share of entertaining too!

Be ready for dew at Manora Peak.

    You might have a nice binocular stand on which to mount your big binocular and have nice steady views , but the binocular will collect dew during the evening hours, rendering the big binocular useless for the morning hours when the Nebula studded center of the Milky Way rises. Make a dew shield out of black foam, card board painted flat black, or even better get dew heaters for both the objectives. As a last resort you could get a hair dryer along, with a long electric extension cord.

Protect your Equipment.

    Apart from a rain coat, hat, and sun block to protect yourself, you’ll also need to consider protecting your scope from the elements if you plan to leave it set up. Bring along several plastic bags large enough to cover your telescope. The bags will reduce dust during daytime hours. These will also serve to protect your scope in the event of rain. In the hills on Nainital it can drizzle anytime during the day, although it will be clear during night time. If you are leaving your telescope all set up during the day, ready for the 2nd night, you'll have to cover it completely and tie it down to protect it from rain as well as wind.

 Come prepared.

    No matter what temperature you hear it will be, prepare for weather that is at least 10 degrees colder. Make and use a check list to see that you don't leave home without something you need, such as your eyepiece case, or red flashlight. If you bring a telescope, set up a small tool box containing extra batteries, lights, etc. If you want to make friends, avoid having to always borrow things. Bring a thermos, and something for a late night snack. Even better, bring along some goodies to share with your friends around you. Be sure to bring some water with you and light snacks. Being active late at night makes most people hungry. Chocolates are a instant energy providers and will also better your vision with the increased blood flow. Even if you do not get hungry you will certainly need something hot to drink.
 

Wear sturdy and closed footwear,

    such as running shoes or hiking boots. In the dark it's hard to see what is underfoot and what you are stepping on, so your feet should be protected from sharp rocks, whatever inhabits the ground in at the site. Closed shoes and warm socks will also prevent you turning in at just midnight because your feet are cold.

 Children are welcome at the Milky Way Voyage.

    Its a family affair. If you do bring children, be sure they stay with you at all times. If they're very small and they start crying, take them back to your car or inside the building until they can be quieted down. Many children become cranky if they stay up too late, but are happy to sleep in the car if they have a blanket and their favorite toys.