“Sirius” Stargazers Club
“The Sirius Stargazers Club” was organized on December 1, 2002. It is for the express purpose of educating the community on the subject of Astronomical Observation. The 20” Obsession Telescope is an extremely expensive, very large telescope. It is to be operated by the owner and any members who have permission and training on the proper use of the telescope. Club members are encouraged to purchase telescopes and bring them to observing sessions.
These
guidelines are intended to ensure that the 20” obsession telescope is
cared for in the most appropriate manor. These guidelines are written to provide
an understanding of where and when the scope shall be present at an event, how
the scope is to be cared for and responsibility for the scope.
The members of “Sirius Stargazers Club” understand that the telescope was purchased for the express purpose of conducting star gatherings for the community.
Definitions:
A “member” is an individual who has paid all yearly membership fees
and who abides by the rules of the Sirius Stargazers Club.
Club
Star Party: Any scheduled gathering of SSC club members where the public is not
openly invited and where there is sufficient time to notify all members of the
event. Notification shall be via website or e-mail and shall be
made in a timely fashion to ensure that every member of the club has the
opportunity to attend. Such shall include scheduled star parties, weekenders,
marathons, hosted star parties, etc.
Club Member Yearly Fees: All members are required to pay an annual fee except for Silver, Gold, & Platinum members. The fee is used to cover maintenance of the telescope and all optical equipment used during star parties. All members will receive regular updates via email on upcoming events and useful science facts. All members will receive discounts on all products or services offered by the Club including group rates on trips to museums, theatres, planetariums and other activities arranged by members of the club.
Public Star Party includes any star party that is held for the benefit of public exposure to astronomy. These events may be paid events by the community and include but not limited to school star parties, private star parties, community star parties, etc.
Authorized individual(s) is/are the members who have paid all membership fees and are in good standing with the club. Responsibility of transportation and set-up of the scope shall be their responsibility. These “exclusive” members agree to ensure that the scope receives no damage other than normal wear and tear during the event for which the scope was brought. A person shall be considered authorized once he/she has demonstrated proficiency in the set-up, collimation, operation and transportation of the 20” telescope.
All members wishing to use the telescope for their own personal use will pay a $50 certification- training fee. The fee includes a course on the set-up, collimation, operation, transportation, maintenance, safety, and precautions while handling the 20” telescope. Upon completion of training members will receive a certification card for wallet identifying them as an authorized individual. Under no circumstances will the telescope be loaned for use to individuals who have not completed the training class!
Guidelines:
1. The telescope is to be used by paid members of the “Sirius Star-Gazers Club”. The scope shall be operated such that all paid members have equal access to the scope during Club Star Parties.
2. The scope shall be made available for all Club Star Partys.
3. When the scope is used for paid public star parties, private star parties, or any star party all members of the club will be welcome.
4. If an authorized user wishes to use the telescope, they must have written permission from the owner. They must also pay a rental fee of $50 per night. An authorized member who rents the telescope overnight agrees that they assume all responsibility for the safety and care of the telescope. That member agrees to keep the scope in a safe and secure location. They also agree that they will pay for any and all damage to the telescope or if the telescope is inadvertently lost or stolen while in their possession. The 20" Obsession and it's accessories cost over $10,000. You may want to consider the possibility of being liable for damages prior to renting the telescope.
5. Every effort shall be made to ensure that any member desiring to be considered an authorized individual has the opportunity to learn and demonstrate proficiency in the set-up, collimation, and operation of the scope. The owner shall maintain a list of certified individuals.
6. The telescope shall be inspected for damage prior to being released and again when it is returned to storage. This is to assess the damage and what repairs might be needed. The owner will maintain a record of the check-in/check-out condition of the telescope.
These guidelines should resolve most of the issues regarding the use of the 20” Obsession telescope. It is understood that situations might arise which fall outside the realm of these guidelines. Every effort should be made by club officers and members to ensure the scope is not monopolized in any way.