The NAASB has once again come out with their "suggestions" for approved viewing chairs. This is just another group which has self appointed themselves as guardians of our safety. Let me tell you what independent studies have found after conducting field studies.
* installing mounting devices on hydrolic-assisted "easy" chairs with large armrests to prevent "fall out" injuries - straps and seatbelts may also be installed.
These type of chairs, while comfortable, tend to put the viewer asleep, and coupled with the seatbelts, keep them in the chair. Yet most of these chairs were found to have wheels, and on slanted surfaces, tend to roll when the viewer got too relaxed. The rolling motion did wake them up, but they were so terrified that they could not get the seat belts undone. One unfortunate was seen rolling away from the viewing area, arms and leg flailing about, in the direction of a lake. The visual picture is horrific is it not.
* installing beverage cup dispensors on all telescope mounts within easy reach
Field tests on these devices proved unacceptable during all but solar viewing trials. 97.3 % of test subjects during night tests pulled back wet hands, or tried to chuga lug a 6mm Nagler. One such eyepiece was caught in an observers dentures. Luckily a fellow viewer was a dental assistant, and extracted the very slobbery occular.
* limiting the amount of deep sky observing sitting - very tall ladders are highly recommended
I am so surprise the NAASB continues to say this after the 2002 final reports went public. Though over 60% of ladder falls during observing were alcohol related, the other 40% broke down as follows. 21% from walking under very tall ladders resulting in immediate bad luck, 14% from bad construction, and 5% from animal attack.
Lynne and her organization should be viewed from at least 2.5 AU and then on very hazy nights.
Just having a little fun Lynne. Rev. David :)
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