Join us for a brief training on the set-up and protocols for Starry Nights for Preserve Stewards
We are hosting a brief training for Starry Nights Preserve Stewards (or aspiring Starry Nights Preserve Stewards) in order to get everyone on the same page regarding the set-up and protocols for our incredibly popular Starry Nights program!
You will learn:
- Set Up for the Program
- Expectations from Volunteers for managing attendees
- Common Questions
We hope that by taking this training any Starry Nights preserve steward can help us maintain a high-quality and consistent experience for the public.
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
What should I bring? Let us know if you have questions or concerns.
- Volunteer shirt
- High-vis-vest (can request this if you do not have one)
- Flashlight with a red-light option
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers
- A camp chair
More information About Starry Nights:
- The event runs for two hours. About 30 minutes after the program starts, most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At the end of the specified "program run time" we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by an hour after the program.
- 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!
- The event will be cancelled in the case of rainy weather and/or poor viewing conditions.
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 30 minutes after the program starts 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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