|
| |
The instructions below are directed at Active Observers attending an
observing session at the Victoria Centre Observatory (VCO), located at 5071 West
Saanich Road.
Mandatories
 | As an Active Observer, you must respond on the email list
indicating if you will be attending a proposed observing session.
Active Observers may not just "show up". |
| The Member-In-Charge (MIC) determines when the proposed observing
session starts and ends, and will advise if any restrictions apply.
 | Active Observers must arrive at the gate at the bottom of
Observatory Hill during the time frame determined by the MIC. If the
gate is open, meeting at the top of the Hill at the VCO is standard
practice. Alternate arrival arrangements must be made directly with the
MIC. |
| Active Observers must leave Observatory Hill before the designated
MIC has left. |
| If an Active Observer wishes to relocated on Observatory Hill, they
must notify the MIC beforehand. |
| If the MIC determines that the observing session must end early, all
Active Observers must leave Observatory Hill forthwith. |
|
| If the MIC determines that an emergency situation exists, Active
Observers must obey the instructions given to them by the MIC, NRC security
staff, and emergency responders. |
| There is no smoking allowed anywhere on National Research Council
land on Observatory Hill - both inside and outside buildings. The no smoking
rule applies to the inside of private vehicles when they are located on NRC
land. Smokers must drive to the bottom of Observatory Hill and exit the gate
before lighting up. |
Parking & Traffic
| Victoria Centre Observatory has a limited number of parking spots
available adjacent to our facility, so if you are able-bodied and do not
have equipment to unload, please consider using the parking area outside the
48" DAO telescope. |
| If the gate at the bottom of Observatory Hill is open and the Centre of
the Universe is open to the public, please close the red gate behind you
when entering the driveway to the VCO. This will help to prevent the public
from wandering into our restricted area. |
| Please obey all speed limits and traffic signs while driving your
vehicle on Observatory Hill. |
| If you encounter Commissionaires who are directing traffic, please
indicate to them you are a member of RASC, and wish to proceed directly to
the VCO for a private observing session. |
| If you are arriving late at the VCO, in order to preserve your fellow
observers night vision, please do not drive your vehicle into the VCO
parking area. Please park at the 48" telescope parking area or the
Centre of the Universe parking area and walk into the VCO. Please close the
red gate behind you. |
| When leaving Observatory Hill through the self-opening gate at the
bottom, it is everyone's responsibility to wait after driving through until
the gate closes behind them. It is critical that the Hill be protected
from unauthorized entry. |
Other Helpful Information
| There is no running water at the VCO, so please bring drinking water
with you. |
| There are no bathroom facilities at the VCO. The nearest bathrooms
are located inside the Centre of the Universe building - a 10 minute walk.
Please ask the Member-In-Charge (MIC) for the key (if the Centre of the
Universe is closed). |
| Please dress warmly, since it is easy to feel the cold when observing.
Even during the warmer months, it can be quite chilly at night at the VCO.
Dress using layers, and always bring a warm coat, hat and wear warm shoes or
boots. |
| It is a good idea to bring nutritional snacks with you if you expect to
stay for an extended observing session. Otherwise, the nearest
all-night coffee shop is Tim Horton`s in Broadmead area - a 15 minute drive
from the VCO. |
| For those who setup their own observing gear, there is power available
on the observing pad and inside the VCO. Bring your own extension
cords. |
| Wireless Internet is available when in the vicinity of the VCO.
Ask the MIC for the password. |
| Adequate signals can be received from most cellular providers while at
the VCO. |
| If you plan to make use of notebook computers, smart phones, tablets, or
other luminous displays, please ensure your glowing screens are properly
fitted with dark red filters so they do not destroy your fellow observers'
night vision. Enclosing luminous displays inside a cardboard box and
pointing the emitted light away from other observers is always appreciated. |
|
