2025 Star Party Volunteer

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Come out to Craters of the Moon for our 2025 Star Parties. We're asking *all new and returning* volunteers to apply through this portal Volunteer.gov Please and Thank you!

Description

Join the National Park Service, the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society, the Pocatello Astronomical Society and the Magic Valley Astronomical Society, in hosting Star Parties in Auguest and September at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in southern Idaho! Craters of the Moon is a designated International Dark Sky Park and is one of the best places for stargazing in the contiguous U.S.

Volunteers will provide telescopes and help members of the public use them to observe stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. Volunteers will also provide information to the public on celestial bodies, astronomical events, effects of light pollution, dark sky practices, and other night sky-related topics. In addition, volunteers will also help direct parking and traffic flow in designated Star Party parking areas and help clean up at the conclusion of the events.

Please also sign up with either the Idaho Falls, Pocatello or Magic Valley Astronomical Societies to guarantee your volunteer spot: https://www.ifastro.org/ or with Pocatello Astronomical Society - Its full of stars!! or Home Page - Magic Valley Astronomical Society

Point of Contact

208 527-1335

Catherine_Orland@nps.gov

2025 Dates

Friday August 22 and Saturday August 23 Ranger Program at 8:30pm, Telescope viewing at 9:15pm

Friday September 19 and Saturday September 20 Ranger Program at 8pm, Telescope viewing at 8:45pm

Star parties are subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Timing

Please arrive by 4 p.m. Telescope viewing will begin at sunset following a ranger talk. Star parties will end at 11:30 p.m., but confirmed volunteers are welcome to leave their telescopes set up for longer.

Directions

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve,

1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, Idaho, 83213

Caves Area www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/maps.htm (Site # 8 on the map). Parking is limited, so please carpool. Parking passes will be provided to confirmed volunteers only.

Perks

A limited number of overnight camping spots may be available with priority given to confirmed event volunteers with RVs or vehicles towing trailers who are able to setup a telescope. Park entrance and camping fees will be waived for confirmed volunteers.

What to wear

Conditions can be unpredictable so please monitor the weather in the days leading up to the star parties and dress appropriately. Long pants, leather boots with skid-resistant soles at least six inches high and heavy socks; warm hat and gloves are recommended.

What to bring

Please bring a telescope that can be set up to help visitors observe stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial objects as well as a flashlight, map, compass/GPS, and personal first aid kit. Also, bring all of the food, water, and beverages that will be needed for the duration of events as these items are not available for purchase within the park at night.

Training Required

No

Background Check Required

No

Reference Check Required

No

Activities

Visitor Information and Education

Type

On-site events

Start Date - 2025-05-31

End Date - 2025-09-30

Activities include: Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information;Night Sky/Astronomy