October 14th - 19th
Enchanted Skies
Star Party 2025
32nd edition of the leading New Mexico star party, since 1994
Frequently Asked Questions
October 14–19, 2025 at Montosa Ranch Campground, just west of Magdalena, NM, eight miles from the VLA center
Registration typically opens by June 1 each year. Watch our website or mailing list for the official 2025 registration launch
Choose from RV hookups, rustic cabins, or tent camping. Early booking is recommended—spaces fill quickly!
We offer group-meal packages in the dining hall. Meal selection will be during the registration process.
You can order meals anytime after registering. Simply log back in, click the cart icon, and select your meals.
Yes—RV power is plentiful. Limited 120 V outlets are available near the lecture center; bring power strips.
ESSP is rain-or-shine. Indoor talks and social events continue regardless of sky conditions.
• Your telescope or binoculars (and any adapters)
• Warm layers—desert nights can dip below freezing
• Red-light flashlights and headlamps
• Camping gear or RV supplies
• Snacks, water, and personal medications
About the Enchanted Skies Star Party
Originally launched in 1994 as a collaboration between New Mexico Tech and the NRAO’s Very Large Array, the Enchanted Skies Star Party (ESSP) has run continuously for over three decades, bringing together amateur and professional astronomers under some of the darkest skies in the Southwest. Now in its 32nd year, ESSP offers a perfect blend of observing, education, and camaraderie.
Current list of confirmed Speakers (May 1st)
- Dr. Richard Tresch Fienberg
--retired as Editor-in-Chief of Sky & Telescope magazine, and more recently as Press Officer of the American Astronomical Society. Recipient of the 2024 Klumpke-Roberts Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. - Drs. David W. and Joan B. Dunham, International Occultation Timing Association, speaking on the growing opportunities presented by occultation science.
- Lee Maisel, speaking on observing the Sun with the exciting and new commercially available MLAstro Spectroheliograph.
- Jon Fargo and David Finley, leading founders of ESSP in 1994 and now both retired from National Radio Astronomy Observatory, speaking on the early history of Enchanted Skies Star Party.
- Viola Sanchez, Vice President of the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League and League Coordinator for the Albuquerque Astronomical Society, speaking on the Astronomical League and its Programs.
- William Katzaback, Manager, Apache Point Observatory of the Astrophysical Research Consortium, speaking on current operations at Apache Point Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico.
Location & Facilities
Montosa Ranch Campground
• Altitude & Sky: Perched at 7,120 ft in a juniper-pine woodland, the site enjoys exceptional transparency and seeing conditions .
• Proximity: Just 8 miles from the VLA, you’re never far from the iconic dish antennas that inspired this gathering .
• Amenities:
• RV hookups with 120 V outlets
• A handful of rustic cabins and bunkhouses
• Group dining hall and self-catering kitchens
• Heated lecture center and swap-meet pavilion
• Ample car-camp and tent pads
Location & Facilities
Montosa Ranch Campground
• Altitude & Sky: Perched at 7,120 ft in a juniper-pine woodland, the site enjoys exceptional transparency and seeing conditions .
• Proximity: Just 8 miles from the VLA, you’re never far from the iconic dish antennas that inspired this gathering .
• Amenities:
• RV hookups with 120 V outlets
• A handful of rustic cabins and bunkhouses
• Group dining hall and self-catering kitchens
• Heated lecture center and swap-meet pavilion
• Ample car-camp and tent pads
Location & Facilities
Montosa Ranch Campground
• Altitude & Sky: Perched at 7,120 ft in a juniper-pine woodland, the site enjoys exceptional transparency and seeing conditions.
• Proximity: Just 8 miles from the VLA, you’re never far from the iconic dish antennas that inspired this gathering.
• Amenities:
- Hot Showers and Clean Restrooms
- RV hookups with 110 V outlets
- Rustic cabins
- Group dining hall
- Heated lecture center
- Swap-meet pavilion
- Ample car, RV and tent field camping
Enchanted Skies Star Party 2025
Code of Conduct
We’re thrilled to have you join us under dark skies—please help us keep ESSP fun, safe, and welcoming for everyone:
1. Respect Others
• Be courteous of your fellow attendees, speakers, and volunteers.
• Keep conversations and observing chairs from spilling into your neighbor’s field of view.
• Use inclusive, harassment-free language and behavior.
2. Protect the Dark Sky
• Use red-filtered or low-level lighting only when absolutely necessary.
• Avoid shining un-shielded lights (headlamps, flashlights, phones) toward telescopes or the sky.
• Turn off all non-essential lights at night.
3. Wildlife & Environment
• Stay on established roads and campsites; do not trample vegetation.
• Do not feed, harass, or approach wildlife.
• Pack out everything you bring in—leave no trace.
4. Noise & Quiet Hours
• Observe quiet hours from sunset until sunrise.
• Keep generators off or inaudible during observing hours; plan to run them only during daylight.
• If you must speak at night, use a whisper or low voice and keep group gatherings well away from observing fields.
5. Equipment Safety
• Set up tripods and power cords so they don’t become tripping hazards.
• Keep children and pets with you at all times.
• Be mindful of moving vehicles—flash your red lights, and wear a reflector if you must walk after dark.
6. Fire Safety
• Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings.
• Obey all posted fire bans and instructions from BLM or park rangers.
• Extinguish your fire completely before leaving it unattended.
7. Alcohol & Substance Use
• Alcohol is allowed in moderation and only within your personal campsite area.
• Absolutely no open containers on observing fields.
• Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
8. Follow Staff & Volunteer Directions
• Event staff have final say on site rules and safety.
• If asked to move or modify your setup, please comply promptly.
9. Report Issues
• If you see harassment, unsafe behavior, or environmental damage, please notify a volunteer or ranger immediately.
• Emergencies: call 911 or find the nearest staff member.
By registering you agree to abide by these rules. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event without refund. Let’s work together to make ESSP 2025 a memorable—and responsible—celebration of the night sky!