Mojave Desert star parties unite space lovers together under the stars

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The moon and Venus shine beyond joshua trees under a storm-scoured sky in Joshua Tree National Monument, January 28, 2000, as a cold front moves out of southern California leaving snow in the desert and skies of blue.

Twice a year, scientists, environmentalists, and amateur astronomers gather deep in the Mojave Desert to look at the night sky. The so-called star parties are growing in popularity — nearly 100 people ventured out to the desert this past weekend.

Twice a year, scientists, environmentalists, and amateur astronomers gather deep in the Mojave Desert to look at the night sky. The so-called star parties are growing in popularity — nearly 100 people ventured out to the desert this past weekend.

Reporter Caitlin Esch made the trip to one of the darkest places in California to see what it's all about.