Valerie Stimac
Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth.
Which U.S. States are in the Path of the 2023 Solar Eclipse?
If you haven't heard yet, it's eclipse time in the U.S. again! After a six year hiatus from the fun, an annular solar eclipse will pass over the U.S. in October 2023. This is a great opportunity for everyone to plan a trip to stand in awe of the celestial dance our planet Earth is part of – watching the Moon pass in front of the Sun is an incredible and humbling experience...
The 4 Best Binoculars Under $1000 for Stargazing (2023)
Most people who use equipment for stargazing choose a telescope. But this is not your only option: binoculars can be a great alternative to telescopes, when it comes to stargazing. Best of all, when it comes to stargazing, there are some of the best binoculars under $1000 to choose from...
How to Run the Messier Marathon (Updated for 2023)
Are you new to astronomy and looking for a challenge? Been around the sun a few times and ready to up your stargazing street cred? There's no better way than to try and run a Messier Marathon. If you've heard of this concept and want to learn more, you've come to the right place...
How to Plan a Badlands National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
They call it flyover country – the Great Plains. For the most part, they're sweeping, rolling plains of agricultural land with little beyond rivers and roads to punctuate them. But in the heart of South Dakota, there's a special geologic area that has drawn travelers for thousands of years. It's called the Badlands, for the harshness of the landscape – but they're definitely not bad...
11 Interesting Spring & March Equinox Celebrations Around the World
After another cold, grey winter, I'm really looking forward to spring – how about you? Luckily, I know exactly when it will begin: the Vernal or March Equinox will occur at 11:32am ET on Sunday, March 20, 2022. On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night are roughly equal. It's a fascinating astronomical event – and one that humans in the northern hemisphere have celebrated for millennia, since this particular equinox ushers in longer days, warmer temperatures, and ground to plant and later harvest...
10 Must-See Astronomy Events in the March Night Sky (2023)
March marks a turning point in the Earth's celestial dance. This month, we approach the first equinox of the calendar year, and the seasons officially 'change' after the equinox passes. While this heralds the changing of light – more for the northern hemisphere, less for the southern – there are still fantastic opportunities to see what's up in the March night sky...
How to Plan a Yosemite Stargazing Trip in 2023
Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks – it's also an epic stargazing destination! Here's how ot plan a Yosemite stargazing trip.
7 Great Astronomy Binoculars Under $500 (2023)
While telescopes get a lot more attention when it comes to stargazing equipment, there's something really nice about binoculars. What is it....? A bifocal view of the wonders of space, of course! For that reason, I've always been a big proponent of binoculars and telescopes here on this site; I think everyone has their own preference and it's important to let people choose the equipment they feel comfortable with and which meets their astronomy needs...
13 Nice Spots for Stargazing in New Jersey
When you say "New Jersey," it's likely some things come to mind: Casinos. Beaches, including some made famous on TV. Casinos on beaches, also made famous on TV. American history. Sports teams. Being near New York. Nowhere in the list does "stargazing" or "dark skies" come up – but don't let that deter you...
6 Great Binoculars under $300 for Stargazing in 2023
Don't get me wrong: stargazing with our eyes is great. Nothing has the same effect on our mental state as starlight entering our eyes after billions of miles of light-speed travel across the galaxy. But there is something special about unlocking a deeper level of the night sky with equipment like binoculars or a telescope...
