Explore the Night Sky with Us

Join us at Johnson Valley Dark Sky Ranch for star parties, telescope sharing, and breathtaking astrophotography experiences under the stars. See the Milky Way, check out the constellations. No telescope required. Members are more than happy to share. Camp overnight or the whole weekend. All included with a membership to (HIDAS) High Desert Astronomical Society.

Please note a waiver is required for all attendees

All Star Parties at the Ranch are by invitation only or accompanied by a HIDAS member in good standing

Dark Adapted Eyes and Red Lights

Please use dim red lights while stargazing- But not head lamps

A Very dim red light pointed down is best

Red light headlamps are a great option when stargazing alone. But too often you you forget that you are wearing them and when you look at other people your well intentioned red headlamp has just set back someones dark adapted eyes.

Why do we use red lights?

When observing the night sky, preserving your night vision is crucial to fully appreciate the beauty and detail of celestial objects. This is where red lights play an essential role. Our eyes are built in such a way that they become highly sensitive to light in darkness, which allows us to see faint stars, nebulae, and galaxies. However, exposure to white or bright light, even for a moment, can disrupt our night vision for up to 20-30 minutes. Red lights, on the other hand, have a much gentler impact on our eyes. Because the human eye is less sensitive to red wavelengths, using dim red lights minimizes vision disruption while still providing enough light to safely navigate and operate equipment.

The process of becoming dark-adapted is critical for a successful stargazing experience. Dark adaptation refers to the eye’s ability to adjust from a bright environment to a dark one, which can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. During this adjustment period, a chemical called rhodopsin in the rods of our retinas becomes more effective, allowing us to see faint objects and subtle details. Maintaining this state of adaptation is essential. A sudden flash of bright light will force your eyes to start the adaptation process all over again, making it much harder to see faint stars and deep-sky objects clearly. By using only red lights and being mindful of your light exposure, we can keep our eyes in their most sensitive state for viewing the wonders

Two examples of dark adapted eyes

10 min in a bortle class 2

60 min in a bortle class 2

For example only

Contact Us

Reach out for inquiries about our star parties and events.