TIL the hard way about light pollution at the Joshua Tree star party

I drove out to the Joshua Tree star party last month, thinking my new camera was ready for some deep sky shots. About an hour after sunset, a huge RV pulled into the spot next to me and left their bright white LED awning lights on all night. It completely washed out my 20-minute exposure of the Orion Nebula, just a big white blob. In my experience, you can't assume everyone at these events knows the rules. Now I always scope out my shooting spot early and pick one far from the main parking area. Has anyone else had to deal with this, and what's your backup plan when someone ruins your dark site?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthew_patel6823d ago

Honestly, it's just a hobby. Getting that upset over one ruined photo seems a bit much. Maybe just go talk to the RV people next time instead of letting it ruin your whole night.

joseph_green1323d ago

I read an article last year about a group in Arizona that hands out red cellophane wraps for flashlights at public star parties. Seems like a cheap fix, but you still get those people who just don't get it. My own backup is to always have a visual observing list ready. If the imaging gets wrecked, I just switch to my binoculars and sketchpad. It saves the night from being a total loss. What do you do when the lights come on?

ruby_bell4723d ago

My buddy had that happen at a state park. Some guy just left his truck's high beams on while setting up a tent. Total waste of a night.