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!
How to See the Next Lunar Eclipse: November 7-8, 2022
As interest in astrotourism grows, eclipse chasing has become an increasingly popular activity. Whether you travel to see an eclipse or are lucky enough to enjoy them as they pass over your home, there's no denying that eclipses are powerful and humbling to experience. But when is the next lunar eclipse occurring?...
11 Must-See Astronomy Events in the November Night Sky (2022)
With November, we take steps closer to the solstice. In the northern hemisphere, winter approaches in earnest; in the southern, the sun is welcomed back and temperatures continue to rise. The November night sky this month is also a time of astronomical activity, with active meteor showers, planetary close approaches, and even a few extra astronomical events we don't get every month...
13 Lovely Spots for Stargazing in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for many things: the beauty of the bayou (for which it takes its nickname), great food, unique culture, and – perhaps surprisingly – stargazing. Despite the humidity of the Southern U.S., there are some great spots for stargazing in Louisiana...
The 15 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Ireland This Winter
With a basic sense of geography, it might seem easy to guess where the northern lights are visible. Places like Sweden, Greenland, and Alaska all make a ton of sense. But did you know that you can also see the northern lights in Ireland? It's true! Ireland doesn't have as many nights of aurora activity as other northern countries, but under the right atmospheric and weather conditions you can definitely see it...
How to See the 2022 Partial Solar Eclipse on October 25
Seeing a solar eclipse is one of the most impressive and rare space tourism experiences on earth. Following the 2017 solar eclipse across the U.S., traveling to see an eclipse is an increasingly popular activity for those of us who love space here on earth. Luckily, there are two solar eclipses in 2022...
How to See the 2022 Orionids Meteor Shower
Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky, thanks to its bright stars and clear shape. This northern constellation is most visible in the winter months, and goes by the nickname "The Hunter" as the stars' shape appears to point at the neighboring bull, Taurus. Additionally, Orion is home to one of the few nebulae that can be seen with the unaided eye: the Orion Nebula, or Messier 42...
The 7 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Sweden This Winter
Beautiful countryside, delicious fika and coffee breaks, and the chance to see the world's best aurora from an ice hotel... Who's in? Canada, Norway, and Iceland may get all the limelight, but Sweden is a great destination for seeing the northern lights – and it's much less crowded during the aurora season since people flock to other countries...
The 12 Best Spots for Stargazing in Des Moines
When most people think of Iowa, they might not know anything at all – after all, Iowa is one of the common "flyover" states. For those of us who know better and have been to the Hawkeye State, we can think fondly of Iowa's verdant rolling hills, passionate sports fans, and dark starry skies...
How to See the 2022 Draconids Meteor Shower
Meteor showers are one of the most exciting astronomical events you can experience. You stand out under a starry sky, patiently waiting and watching the countless pinpricks of light over head, and then – suddenly! – a streak of light flashes across the sky, as a tiny piece of cometary debris enters and burns up in the earth's atmosphere...
The 21 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska This Winter
Alaska: The 49th State. The Last Frontier. The Land of the Midnight Sun. The Best Place in the United States to see the Northern Lights. The state where I grew up. To say I love Alaska is definitely an understatement, and the chance to see the northern lights is just one of many reasons. If you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis) in Alaska, you're not alone...
