Detailed Information
Arrival Time
The conference grounds
will open at about noon on Wednesday, May 23. The safety plan requires RTMC AE monitors to assure that cars
are parked to the side of the road and access is clear. If you arrive early, be prepared
to camp overnight along the entrance road. No restrooms or other facilities are available
outside the camp. In previous years a few "sooners" have attempted to stake out
campsites. Signs, tents, bedding, and other items placed in an attempt to reserve space
will be removed and may be recovered at the Lost & Found.
As in the past, the Safety
Plan includes:
•Monitors to assure roads are kept clear, specific areas are closed to vehicles, and
cars are properly parked off the road (especially while awaiting opening). Please
cooperate with RTMC Staff.
•Evacuation plans given to all attendees.
•Prohibition of outdoor fires, including charcoal fires and white gas stoves. Propane
is acceptable.
•Limitation of smoking to the concrete patio behind the meeting hall, with disposal
of cigarette butts in a fireproof container.
•We will again require a specific type of fire extinguisher and safety certification
on vendor tents and canopies for all vendors (not swap meeters).
•Regular inspection of the premises by the Fire Marshal, who has the authority to
stop the proceedings.
Parking/Driving
All vehicles must be parked, and all equipment set up, off roadways, with adequate room
for other vehicles, including large emergency vehicles, to pass. Please drive below the
posted speed limit. Faster driving is not only a safety issue, but it raises an inordinate
amount of dust. Please be alert to pedestrians walking along the roadways, especially at
night. Expo attendees may park along the side of the dirt road that enters Camp Oakes,
behind the sign designating where parking begins. Please maintain quiet; the camp’s
community neighbors and other early arrivers should not be disturbed. Beginning at
9:00 AM on Saturday, people arriving for day use will be directed to designated parking
areas.
Door Prizes
Door prizes will be
given on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Swap Meet
Beginner's Corner
The Beginner's Corner and observing field will feature nighttime observing for those who
want guided hands-on experience with their new hobby. Star-hopping, collimating, setup,
alignment, and all those procedures that look so complicated in print will be brought to
life in a special corner of the observing field. This is in addition to the other
comprehensive presentations of the Beginner's Corner.
Family Activities
A number of family activities are available at the RTMC AE. In previous years, we have had
the swimming pool open, boating and fishing on the lake, horseback riding, and hiking. We
have also had guided solar system tours for children. Recently we have offered other
activities including archery and climbing.
Merit Awards
All telescopes entered for Merit Awards
must be located on the Telescope Field, Telescope Alley, or Meadow. Please contact the telescope registration desk at the Walker
Observatory prior to setup. Entries will be numbered for identification. Judging is on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Announcement of Merit Awards will be Saturday evening. Afterwards, you will have the
opportunity to vote for the Astronomer's Choice Award, which will be presented Sunday
evening.
The Holmes, Estes, Tombaugh, and Astronomers' Choice Awards will be presented Sunday evening.
AstroImaging Exhibition and ContestSpeakers
In order to give each speaker sufficient time for his/her presentation, the total number
of speakers may be limited. An applicant's topic and abstract need to be approved by the
RTMC Speakers Committee prior to scheduling the presentation. Presentations should be
limited to no more than 40-45 minutes. Applicants will be notified of approval by the May
1st deadline for early registration discounts. Applications and abstracts must be
submitted and received no later than April 1st. Send information on presentations to our
Program Chairman:
Charles Morris
program@rtmcastronomyexpo.org
The opinions expressed in the talks and workshops are those of the presenters, not of the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference, Inc.
Power for Telescopes and Computers
A limited number of outlets are available for running telescopes or computers ONLY. These
outlets are located near the cabins around the camp and at the observatory. You must
supply your own 3-conductor extension cord and use the marked outlets ONLY.
Lasers and
Laser Pointers
The use of lasers, except for collimation or as a pointer by a speaker in the meeting hall
or the Beginner’s Corner sky orientation, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Thank you
for your cooperation.
Video and Photography
Many people make photos, video, and audio recordings at RTMC Astronomy Expo. By entering
the grounds, you grant permission for taping and photography, including rights to
publication and broadcast of images and audio.
Pets
Camp Oakes requests that you please leave your pets home. If you bring a pet, it MUST
remain on a leash at all times or the owner will have to take it home.
Smoking
Because of fire dangers, Camp
Oakes requires that smoking be limited to the concrete patio behind the meeting hall.
Smoking is not allowed inside your vehicle. Cigarette butts are to be disposed of in a
fireproof container or inside your vehicle's ashtray. The camp asks for your understanding
in this because cigarette butts tend to end up on the ground and the camp staff are
picking them up one at a time for months after the conference.