So you’ve just booked tickets to one of the biggest astronomy events of the year - but now what? If you’ve never been to a show like this before, it’s can be pretty daunting, especially for beginner astronomers just getting into the game. We know exactly how you feel, and we’ve been through the same thing! (Last year was our first time attending such a show - if you want to know more, be sure to check out our blog post on our NEAF 2016 trip.) So we’re here to help you enjoy (and survive!) your NEAF weekend.
(Before we start, here’s a link to the Rockland Astronomy Club’s NEAF page for full details on the when and where of the event.)
Below are our top five tips on how to make the most out of the event.
Source: Reuben Otero
Are you attending from out of town? In addition to having attendees from all across the United States, NEAF is big enough to have attendees come from all over the world - the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia (that’s us!).
If you’re from out of town, your top priorities should be to:
Once you’re sure you’ve organised everything and won’t be left floundering in a panic without a hotel room for the weekend, it’s time to move on to the next tip.
One of the big appeals of attending shows are the huge discounts you can find. Most vendors will have steep sales (especially on the second day, as they’re trying to get rid of inventory and stock that they don’t want to drag back home) and will have their best-selling products showcased. This is your chance to check out that new scope or eyepiece you saw advertised - you won’t be the only one to bring a tape measure! Being able to see and touch the products is one of the reasons that attending shows or star parties is so popular. This is the perfect time to look at the most coveted products and ask questions.
Your top priorities should be to:
Have you looked at the keynote speakers for the event? Did you know about the free solar party on Saturday? NEAF has a full and diverse set of events scheduled, and you should check it out to see if there’s a talk you want to attend or a workshop you want to go to (they hold both pro and amateur workshops that are quite popular).
Your top priorities should be to:
You’ll be doing a LOT of walking over the weekend, so we don’t advise this as the best time to break in a new pair of shoes! Also, if you’re planning on purchasing something, you’ll need to carry it out of the hall. Do you have proper transportation for heavy items, or a bag large enough to fit all your purchases? Planning your clothing, bags, and food on the day is essential for your comfort.
Your top priorities should be to:
If you’re a member of a forum or a part of your local astronomy community, ask around to see who else is going. These kinds of shows are a bit more fun when done with a group, so if you know anyone else who’s attending, it would be beneficial for all of you to go together.
Your priorities should be to:
The above tips are vital to ensure smooth sailing on the day, and we learnt a few of these the hard way. We know better now, and hope this post helps you have a great NEAF weekend!
For additional resources, you can check out the Astronomy Shows & Conferences section of the Cloudy Nights forums, where they have yearly threads on NEAF and lots of discussions about sales, purchases, and plans.
Do you have any other tips that are essential to surviving NEAF? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo source: Reuben Otero