LAS CRUCES — As communities recognize both International Dark Sky Week and National Volunteer Month, officials with White Sands National Park are highlighting the contributions of two southern New Mexico astronomy groups that have played a key role in the park’s popular Starry Night events.
Park officials say members of the Alamogordo Astronomy Group and the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces have volunteered their time and equipment to help visitors observe celestial objects and learn more about the night sky.
Since 2024, the two organizations have collectively donated more than 225 volunteer hours to support the park’s Starry Night astronomy programs. During each event, volunteers bring telescopes and share their knowledge with visitors, creating hands-on learning opportunities and memorable nighttime experiences under the desert sky.
Officials with White Sands National Park expressed appreciation for the dedication and passion shown by the astronomy volunteers, noting that their efforts have helped make the Starry Night events both educational and engaging for families and visitors from across the region.
Park leaders say they hope to continue building partnerships with both astronomy groups and are exploring ways to expand the Starry Night program beyond its current annual schedule in the future.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
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