The Springfield Telescope Makers have established various convention polices for reasons of safety, the enjoyment of attendees, or to maintain the unique historic convention experience. Convention attendees are expected to follow these policies. Attendees in violation of these policies may be ejected from the convention without recourse or refund.
Code of Conduct | Comercialism | Generators/Recharging | Golf Carts/ATVs |
Laser Policy | Lighting Policy | Parking at Clubhouse | Pet Policy |
Russell Porter, the founder of the Springfield Telescope Makers, wished to open amateur telescope making to all who desired to build a quality astronomical instrument. In order to continue Porter’s legacy, the Springfield Telescope Makers (STM) are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all convention participants and staff. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, staff, service providers, guests, and others, are expected to abide by this Stellafane Convention Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to both formal and informal Convention events.
Stellafane does not allow open white lights, on clear nights, except for ½-hour after the Friday and Saturday evening talks end. Vehicular travel after this time is strongly discouraged and is done only at the risk of the operator. We thank you for your cooperation.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. welcomes you to bring your pets to the Stellafane convention, provided the following rules are followed:
Failure to comply with the above rules will result in you and your pet being asked to leave the convention and you may be escorted from the premises by convention security. The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. thanks you in advance for helping to make the Stellafane convention more enjoyable for everyone Enjoy the convention!
Use of generators is discouraged at Convention. Properly muffled RV generators, and quiet portable generators 1,000 watts or less may be used between the hours of 9am to 6pm in the camping areas. Generators may never be used in the observing fields, after dark, or other locations at Stellafane. The generator must not create a hazard. Any complaint of unsafe operation or excessive noise will immediately cause the generator to be banned from operation.
There are outlets along the walls of the McGregor observatory, and a charging station in southwest corner of the Flanders Pavilion that may be used for recharging batteries and portable devices. However, the Springfield Telescope Makers accept no responsibility for unattended property.
Parking near the Clubhouse is very limited. We try to reserve the few spots that are available for those who are unable to walk up the hill or take the bus. In general, there is no longterm parking at the clubhouse. If you must drive up to deliver your telescope we ask unload quickly and then park your car in the main camping/parking areas at Stellafane East as soon as possible. Thanks for your cooperation in this area.
No personal golf carts or ATV's will be allowed at convention.Only golf carts and ATVs being used for official convention purposes will be allowed.
Lasers pointers can be a helpful tools for astronomers, but can be dangerous if not properly used. Direct viewing of a laser-pointer beam, even briefly and at a distance of a kilometer or two, has the potential to cause temporary blindness – the same effect you get right after a flash photo is taken – or afterimages. These effects last anywhere from seconds to minutes. Glare, which is a reduction or loss of central vision, lasts only as long as exposure to the beam. All these effects could be disastrous if they struck a person operating machinery, driving a car, or flying a plane.
To help use our laser tools safely, the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has adopted these recommendations as policy. These are based on the suggestions from the Laser Institute of America and published in May 2005 by Sky and Telescope.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has clarified its policy regarding commercialism and Swap Table sales at the Stellafane convention. For the sake of historical continuity, to preserve the uniqueness of the Stellafane convention and to encourage conventioneers to build their own instruments, the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. do not allow commercial sales, of any kind, at the Stellafane convention. All swap table sales must comply, in concept, with the above objective but are also specifically subject to the following criteria:
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. may choose to grant a limited exception to the above policies to astronomy related organizations for their fundraising. Any request for an exemption must be made, in writing, at least one month prior to the convention. If granted, the President of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. will notify the requesting organization in writing.
Any member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. has the authority to determine whether a party is in compliance with the established regulations. Any person who is found to be in violation of the stated policies will be required to comply. Failing compliance, the offending party will be asked to leave the Convention and may be escorted from the premises by Convention Security.
The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc. encourages those with questions regarding this policy to contact the Club via the Stellafane Web Page. During the convention, any questions regarding this policy, the appropriateness of items being displayed, or any information being disseminated should be directed to a member of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc.
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