Valerie Stimac
Valerie is the founder and editor of Space Tourism Guide. She decided to start the site after realizing how many friends and family had never seen the Milky Way, and that space tourism was going to unlock the next great travel destination: space!
23 Unbelievable Spots for Stargazing in Utah
Let's be real: Utah is one of the best places in the world when it comes to stargazing. Elevation, low humidity, cooperative weather, and incredible natural wonders make Utah a perfect spot to see the night sky in all its glory. If you want to go stargazing in Utah, it's hard to pick a bad place to do it...
The 7 Best Binoculars Under $100 for Stargazing
When you first get started stargazing, you might have a lot of questions. What am I seeing? Is that a planet or a star? Will a telescope or binoculars help me see even more? Plus loads of others too! But as someone who's new to astronomy, you might not want to shell out a ton right away. If you're budget-conscious and/or brand new to stargazing and just want to get started without spending a lot, this post is for you...
22 Incredible Launch Viewing Spots on Florida’s Space Coast
When it comes to viewing a rocket launch, your options are pretty limited – or they were until recently, when private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic began launching their own rockets. In the past, you had a few choices if you wanted to see a rocket launch: hope for an infrequent opportunity in either Virginia (Wallops) or California (Vandenberg), shell out to see a launch at Baikonur in Kazakhstan, or head for Florida to one of the launch viewing spots on the Space Coast...
11 Must-See Astronomical Events in the August Night Sky (2021)
Planets, asteroids, and meteors – oh my! August is one of the best night months of the year for astronomical events. This is primarily due to the Perseids, arguably the best meteor shower of the year. But the Perseids aren't the only thing worth seeing in the night sky this month. The August night sky has plenty else to see...
The 7 Best Binoculars Under $1000 for Stargazing
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 See the 2021 Perseids Meteor Shower
It's fast approaching: one of the best nights of the year to see meteors, shooting stars, or whatever you call those stunning objects that streak across the night sky burning up as they enter earth's atmosphere. That's right: it's almost time for the peak of the 2021 Perseids meteor shower...
17 Outstanding Spots for Stargazing in Oregon
The Pacific Northwest has a reputation of clouds and rain – don't believe it. While Washington and Oregon certainly get their share of rainy days (and nights), there are plenty of days (and nights) when it doesn't rain and you can enjoy some incredible stargazing opportunities. Across the state you can enjoy the stars...
How to Plan a Mount Rainier Stargazing Trip
Towering above the landscape, Mount Rainier is the most dramatic and arguably most beautiful of the Cascade volcanoes. This mountain range stretches from northern California to southern British Columbia in Canada – and is dotted by old, sleeping volcanoes including Mount Rainier. Of the extinct volcanoes that draw hikers, mountaineers, and outdoors-folk...
14 Must-See Astronomical Events in the July Night Sky (2021)
Some months are astronomically quiet – others are bursting with a variety of interesting events to try and see, keeping in mind the moon phases and weather. July 2021 is another exciting month, like last July and the past few months; the July night sky will be full of different objects moving through the celestial dance...
13 Fascinating Summer Solstice Celebrations Around the World
At 03:32 GMT on June 21, 2021, the earth will experience the June solstice. This is the point of greatest daylight for those of us who live in the upper hemisphere. While many people let the summer solstice pass without note, those of us who pay attention to astronomic events know it's an exciting day...
