Drug and Alcohol policy

TL;DR: This is a family program and drinking and smoking is not permitted at the sight. Showing up sober is recommended. If you are planning on getting intoxicated prior to the tour being stoned is recommended over being drunk.

This tour takes place at a public trail head operated by Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) as such it is subject to their rules and regulations which regarding drinking and smoking are quoted here:

Consumption and open containers ​of alcohol are prohibited on Open Space and Mountain Parks. Marijuana consumption is prohibited in public, including on OSMP. City ordinance prohibits smoking on OSMP (including the use of electronic smoking devices). Glass containers are prohibited on OSMP land. - https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp-rules-and-regulations

If you plan on doing an activity prior to the tour that might involve you coming to the tour intoxicated be safe. You can get an Uber/lyft to the tour. I will offer my experiences if they help you make your choices: The tour covers astrophysics which can be hard to understand even with a sober mind. People that have come drunk have said they regretted it and get less from the tour. On the other hand people that have come under the influence of marijuana enjoy it more than people that come drunk. where I still feel like being stoned hinders the ability to understand the astrophysical concepts we cover it seems to open the mind up to being able to be amazed by the little things. So while being stoned you might not understand as much what you do understand might seem more impactful.

Anyone that is inebriated to the point of bothering other guests will be asked to leave. This is a family program and intoxication is out of the norm. If you are unable to be mature and respectful we reserve the right to ask you to leave.

Honestly I think the night sky especially in Colorado doesn’t need any enhancement to be awe inspiring so I would always recommend sobriety.

If you or a loved one is having issues with drug use I recommend visiting the Harm Reduction Action Center https://www.harmreductionactioncenter.org/ They have information and facilities for safer drug use and rehabilitation.

Planetary Society's Day of Action March 8th, 2022

Join the Planetary Society on March 8, 2022, to advance key initiatives in space science, human exploration of deep space, and planetary defense. Participants will receive discounts and even free Astro Tours!

Did you watch "Don't Look Up" or have you been excitedly observing the progress probes like the James Webb Telescope have been making? Then you might be the perfect advocate for space! Projects like protecting out planet from comets/meteorites, sending probes to touch the sun, or rovers to Mars are only possible with public interest in space. So help the Planetary Society (a nonprofit dedicated to space headed by Bill Nye) show that there's interest in these programs.

The easiest way to do this is to sign on to their PLEDGE TO TAKE ACTION ON MARCH 8TH it's free and easy. Adding your name to the pledge lets the planetary society show congress there's serious public interest in space they will also send you training materials, talking points, and instructions so you’ll be ready to advocate locally for space.

PLEDGE TO TAKE ACTION ON MARCH 8TH

If you live in the United States and have time on March 8th to directly engage your congressional representatives to advocate for space you can REGISTER FOR THE 2022 DAY OF ACTION it costs 30$ (20$ for students), and you must be a US Citizen. Registering means you will advocate directly by participating in virtual meetings with members of Congress and their staff. The Planetary Society will provide training, schedule your meetings, and prepare key talking points. Participants provide their passion for space and desire to make a difference. Due to COVID-19 and the U.S. Congress's ongoing restrictions on in-person visits, the 2022 Day of Action will once again be a virtual event over zoom.

REGISTER FOR THE 2022 DAY OF ACTION

To sweeten the deal Astrotours.org will be providing 5$ off Boulder tours this spring to anyone who pledges to take action and a Free Boulder tour this spring to anyone that registers and participates in the day of action. Just let us know when you book! (offer for tours in Boulder only must e done prior to booking)

Job Posting

Seeking Tour Guides

AstroTours.org is a local astronomy tour business operating out of Boulder Colorado and servicing the surrounding area. AstroTours.org is currently looking for multiple tour guides to help during the busiest spring/summer nights. Tours occur at night starting at sunset and last about 2 hrs. Shifts will be 4 to 6 hours long to give time to prep before, and clean/pack up after the tour.

Must:

Be reliable

Be somewhat familiar with astronomy and using a telescope (training will be provided)

Have a driver's licence, and experience driving in the mountains at night.

Be able to lift 55lbs.

Enjoy communicating complex ideas to people from all over the world.

Definitely highlight if you have any of these skills:

Knowledge of folklore surrounding astronomy such as mythology/astrology/indigenous names of stars/etc...

Safety experience; CPR, First Aid, etc…

Knowledge of Colorado nature/flora/fauna/geology/geography/history

Travel/tour guiding experience

If interested and you meet all of “Musts” please send an email to Luke@AstroTours.org with:

• “Job posting” in the title field of the Email

• CV (or resume) attached

• Include in the body of the email:

• Brief bio highlighting your astronomy skills/experience,

• What availability you will have this spring/summer,

• Your favorite Messier object (or object from any other catalog),

• And any questions you might have.