2026 Star Party Volunteer

Description

Join the National Park Service and the San Jose Astronomical Association in hosting Star Parties throughout the summer at Pinnacles National Park. Pinnacles is on its way to becoming a designated International Dark Sky Park and is a great place for stargazing and exploring the night sky.

Responsibilities:

-Setting up materials and supplies for the event.

-Direct parking and traffic flow to designated parking areas for the event.

-Staff a table, interacting with visitors attending the Star Parties.

-Assist visitors with putting red cellophane filters over flashlights.

-Help members of the public use telescopes to observe stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial objects.

-Provide information to the public on celestial bodies, astronomical events, effects of light pollution, dark sky practices, and other night sky-related topics (if able, not required).

-Help clean up at the conclusion of the event.

Point of Contact

PINN_Volunteer@nps.gov

2026 Dates

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Sunset: ~7:41 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~9:14 PM PT.

Talk: 8:15 - 9:00

Star Party: 9:15 - 10:45

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Sunset: ~8:05 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~9:48 PM PT.

Talk: 8:45 - 9:30

Star Party: 9:45 - 11:15

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Sunset: ~8:23 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~10:14 PM PT.

Talk: 9:15 - 10:00

Star Party: 10:15 - 11:45

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Sunset: ~8:24 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~10:12 PM PT.

Talk: 9:15 - 10:00

Star Party: 10:15 - 11:45

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Sunset: ~7:55 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~9:29 PM PT. Moonset: 9:31 PM  

Talk: 8:30 - 9:15

Star Party: 9:30 - 11:00

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Sunset: ~7:16 PM PT. Astronomical dusk: ~8:43 PM PT.

Talk: 7:45 - 8:30

Star Party: 8:45 - 10:15

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

Timing 

Please arrive by 6pm, we will meet in the large dirt parking lot behind the camp store. Telescope viewing will begin after sunset following a talk in the campground amphitheater. Star parties typically end at around 11pm, but exact timing will vary depending on the time of year. Volunteers are welcome to leave their telescopes set up for longer if they bring one.

Directions

Pinnacles National Park,

5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043

The East Entrance is located approximately 30 miles south of Hollister on Highway 25.

*Make sure to arrive on the EAST side of the park, as you cannot access the East side if you arrive at the West Entrance.*

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, boots, and heavy socks; warm hat and gloves are recommended. Temperatures can swing rapidly, so make sure to bring layers for later on in the evening.

What to Bring 

Please bring a headlamp/flashlight (red light option preferred), map, 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.