Rules of the Road at the
South Jersey Star Party...

The success of the Star Party depends not only on the weather, but the cooperation of everyone who attends. The "Rules of the Road" are designed to make this event a pleasurable and safe experience for all. We ask your cooperation.

   In consideration of others, the use of headphones is required while listening to music. Quiet hours are from 3 AM - 10 AM -- kindly avoid all loud noise. Generators are permitted only along the perimeter of the field after quiet hours and during daylights hours only.

   No green laster pointers, please!

   Alcohol is not permitted, and at the Star Party common sense about things like loud music or too many lights should prevail. Be considerate of others. Red lights/filters should be used after dark, please! This helps all of us preserve our night vision, and enjoy the wonderful, dark skies. We ask that vehicles not enter or exit from the observing field after dark.

   Children are permitted to attend the Star Party but parents MUST supervise their behavior. Make sure that youngsters do not pull out or move any of the boundary stakes, or vandalize the reflective ribbon which delineates parking and camping areas. We have had problems with this in the past. If it continues, we will have to re-evaluate our policy of allowing children to attend.

   We ask that you refrain from playing loud music that might disturb your neighbors. Many attend the Star Party to experience the natural sights and sounds at Belleplain. We also discourage any loud conversation during the evening observing hours, or when fellow astronomers are trying to sleep. Please do NOT start vehicles or use generators after sunset.

    Also, this is a rain or shine event -- clear skies generally prevail in South Jersey at this time of year, and a few cloudy evengs can often be followed by a clear day and night.

   Representatives of the club will be available during the entire Star Party event to answer questions, or assist you if you have special needs

If this is your first star party with us, or if it’s been a while since you have been to one, please take a few moments to review these guidelines. The rules have changed slightly this year. They will aid in your own enjoyment as well as the others around you.

1. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE DARK; if you must arrive after dark (7:30PM-9PM) please wait at the entry gate and a SJAC member will escort you onto the field with your Parking Lights on only. If you arrive after 9 PM you can not drive on to the field. If you are not camping on the field please park in the lot across from field. No driving on the field after dark except in an emergency. This will be strictly enforced. If you must leave in an emergency please contact the Star Party Staff for a safe escort off the field.

2. NO WHITE LIGHTS!! It takes the human eye almost thirty minutes to get fully dark-adapted. ANY white light can make that cycle start all over again. If you need a red filter, just ask. Please make every effort to turn off, remove or cover whites in your vehicle and/or camper. Don’t forget about your trunk light!

3. DIM RED LIGHTS! A dim red light will not affect night vision. Bright red lights could ruin someone’s astrophotography efforts. Keep it dim and down.

4. NO GREEN LASER POINTERS! GLPs could pose a serious danger to eyesight, as well as astrophotography. Please refrain from using these devices while at the Star Party.

5. NO OPEN FLAMES! No campfires. Make sure camp stoves are shielded. If you must use a charcoal grill please start it before dark. Be careful while lighting up if you smoke.

6. DO NOT LITTER! Take out what ever you bring with you. Please leave our dark observing field the way you found it! All state parks and recreation areas in New Jersey are carry in/carry out facilities. There are dumpsters near the entrance to the North Shore Campground.

7. NO - NO’S! ALCHOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITED in State Parks. PETS are NOT allowed on the observing field (NJ State rule). Be considerate of your neighbors, no open music as others may not share your taste in music. Many come to the Star Party to enjoy the solitude that Belleplain offers. Talk softly. If you have minor children with you please supervise them. There will be a courtesy patrol on the field, if you are approached by the patrol please comply. Anyone refusing to comply with these rules will be escorted out of the Park by State Rangers.

FYI : There are Port -A -Pots located on the field next to the baseball backstop, restrooms are located at the concession by the lake. You can take a shower at the facilities within the campground.

QUESTIONS: The Star Party Staff will be glad to assist you in any way we can. We are the ones wearing the BLUE badges.