If possible, try to get to your site before it gets dark. It's like coming to the theater before a play or movie begins, taking your seat, and anticipating the night ahead.

Take advantage of the remaining daylight to get safely to the observing location and set up your equipment. Most observers get to their site before sunset. If you arrive when it's already dark, remember to use only red lights so as to help preserve the night vision of the observers who have arrived earlier. This includes your car lights, which should be covered with red material.