We're seeking FOUR PRESERVE STEWARDS to help with Starry Nights on 8/16/25! ⭐
Note: If you are an ASTRO DOCENT - please DO NOT register here -
please check your email for where to sign up.
The Basics
Volunteer shift time: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Date: August 16, 2025
Program Time: 9:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve:
- 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill, CA, 95037
- For more information about Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve please click here: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/preserves/rancho.html
Project code (when recording your well-deserved volunteer hours): Starry Nights
Tell me more!
⭐Description: Join us to help with Starry Nights at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Assist us and our partners from San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to bring the excitement of our glittery skies to the community - and learn some stuff while you're at it! Don't know stars? No problem! That's why we got the pros.
What we'll need help with is ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently - we hope you'll sign up and join us for one of our most popular events.
What we're asking YOU to help with:
- Set up
- Tear Down
- Parking
- Checking-in guests
- Having fun! Make sure our guests (and you!) have an enjoyable stargazing experience
What should I bring? Let us know if you have questions or concerns.
- Volunteer shirt
- High-vis-vest
- Flashlight with a red-light option
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers
- A camp chair
More information:
- Project code for reporting hours: Starry Nights
- There will be 10 – 12 different telescopes with an astronomer at each one looking at different objects in the sky. Guests are welcome to move from station to station as they like. There are usually upwards of 80 guests who come and join us for these events!
Notes:
- Please review the information below to ensure you're ready to go!
- If cloudy or inclement weather is forecasted, volunteers will be directly informed by either OSA staff
- Pro-tip:
- Bring layers, good shoes, water, snacks, and everything you need to be self-sufficient for the event
- This is a popular event! - know that we'll have a full crew and roster. OSA's team is here to support how we can - please let us know if there are specific ways we can do so
- Volunteers need to have attended OSA's interpretive host training to participate AND be enrolled in the volunteer portal. Questions? Email Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org
What we told the public:
- OSA is teaming up with San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to co-host this event
- It's a "star party!" at Rancho Cañada del Oro
- We're going to be 20 minutes south of downtown San José, this location features night skies so dark we can see the band of our Milky Way galaxy
- OSA-approved SJAA club members will set up telescopes and provide tons of content and knowledge (and of course, a fun-filled, exciting experience)
- During the event, the public is welcome to move freely from telescope to telescope, each one looking at a different features in the sky
- We requested for the public NOT to bring their own telescope (binoculars are welcomed, but please no tripods)
- Gates will be closed to the public at 10:00 pm, to minimize headlights and create the best viewing experience. Please arrive before then (for volunteers, see the specific shift time above that differs from what we are sharing with the public)
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