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Question
what is the proper clothing and other precations for safely making observations at night and in cold weather
This will basically depend on the location - and in particular - how cold it is! In addition, not everyone feels the cold the same way. When in Alaska to observe the aurora borealis in 2005, for example, my wife and myself were both well insulated in multiple layers- including thermal gloves, thermal jackets, sweaters and other wear underneath. We also wore heavy woolen socks, plus heavy coveralls - with "long johns" underneath. But that was for observations lasting nearly an hour and a half and in temperatures of -15F.
Obviously, for less cold temperatures there will be variations - and - how else to put it: commons sense will dictate. I therefore can't give some standard "wear" for 42F, 32F or even 22F, when many people likely wouldn't consider it their own.
Test the weather - before going out, or the forecast. Use common sense in conjunction with what your own tolerance for cold is, and factor in the time observing - or expected to observe.
This is about the best I can offer you.
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Answers by Expert:
Philip Stahl
Expertise
I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.
Experience
Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union
Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics
Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research
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