Volunteering at the Chaco Observatory

Volunteers make the Chaco Observatory work

HOW DO I VOLUNTEER?

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a World Heritage Site and center of Ancestral Pueblo culture is seeking experienced amateur astronomers who know their way around the night sky to assist with public programs at its observatory during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Volunteers at the park, located at an elevation of 6,000 feet near Nageezi, New Mexico operate a fully equipped observatory with five astronomical telescopes (up to 25 inches in diameter and a complete CCD imaging system). Volunteers present night sky and solar-viewing programs to park visitors in exchange for free park admission and access to the observatory for personal use. The volunteers managed more than 14,000 visitor contacts during 2002.

Candidates should be comfortable dealing with the public, including school and tour groups, and be able to find and discuss a representative sampling of celestial objects using Telrad-equipped reflectors on Dobsonian and German equatorial mounts.

Volunteers are asked to make a time commitment to Chaco's astronomy program, averaging 20 hours per week for a six-week period between April 1 and November 1. They must provide their own recreational vehicles and will then be given free use of the Chaco’s "VIP" camping facility, including full hook-up, hot showers, and a kitchen building with stove, refrigerator and sink. Volunteers who can also serve as campground hosts are encouraged to apply. Access to Chaco is via a 20-mile dirt road.

Individuals or families bringing their own astronomical equipment into the Park for just one or several nights are also welcome to set up at the observatory and participate in the Park’s Night Sky Initiative.

All inquiries regarding volunteering for the astronomy program at Chaco Culture National Historical Park should be directed to Alan Whitman.

WARNING, WARNING--This could be you: Sharon and Alan came to Chaco for just a few days and wound up staying for over one month. They became part time campground hosts and astronomy volunteers and simply had a ball.