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.
The 10 Best Spots for Stargazing in Charlotte, NC
Back when it was chartered in 1768, the area that would become Charlotte, North Carolina was part of one of 13 colonies administered by King George III and his British government. Unlike elsewhere in the colonies where resentments were stoking against the royals, the residents of this community were less unhappy: they named their town – Charlotte – after the King's bride. Charlotte, North Carolina, was born, and its nickname, "the Queen City," has stuck ever since...
14 Fantastic Spots for Stargazing in Florida
You already know that Florida is a great space destination. Where else can you watch a rocket launch in the morning and ride Space Mountain in the afternoon? But, did you also know: Florida has some areas with pristine night skies! Beyond the bright lights of Orlando, Miami, and the Space Coast, there are some fantastic spots for stargazing in Florida...
13 Epic Spots for Stargazing in Colorado
Hiking or skiing by day, stargazing by night... Where else can you spend a lifetime in the great outdoors and never see it all? Colorado, of course! While people know Colorado for its daytime adventures, it's fast becoming one of the U.S.'s top states for astronomy and stargazing. There are some epic spots for stargazing in Colorado too, which doesn't hurt...
7 Amazing Places for Stargazing in Alaska
If you've never been to Alaska, it's hard to imagine just how big and undeveloped The Last Frontier really is. Once you leave the "big" cities (Anchorage being the largest at about 300,000 people), there's nothing but seemingly infinite wilderness – and darkness – stretching as far as the eye can see. As you probably can imagine, there are some fantastic opportunities for stargazing in Alaska...
How to Plan a White Sands National Park Stargazing Trip (2023)
Nestled in New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Park is an ethereal landscape that offers a pristine canvas against which the majesty of the night sky unfolds; if you've ever wanted to go stargazing in an otherworldly place, there are few better contenders than White Sands...
The 9 Best Spots for Stargazing in Raleigh, NC
Look up and lose yourself in the cosmos, right from the vibrant heart of North Carolina! Raleigh, a bustling metropolis, serves as your gateway to the grandeur of the universe; though it is plagued by light pollution as all cities are, there are some great spots for stargazing in Raleigh and the surrounding region...
The 4 Best Places to See the Southern Lights in Patagonia This Winter
Many of us have 'seeing the aurora' on our bucket list – and for good reason. To see the northern lights or southern lights dancing in the atmosphere, shades of green, red, purple, and white, is an unforgettable experience. It's one of the most impressive space tourism activities you can enjoy...
9 Magnificent Spots for Stargazing in Minnesota
Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, shines brightly under a constellation-filled sky. The North Star State (as it's also known) offers endless opportunities for stargazing, with its vast, unobstructed horizons and deep wilderness areas far removed from the glare of city lights. Each clear night reveals a patchwork of stars and celestial bodies, from constellations that trace stories in the sky to the shimmering ribbon of the Milky Way...
13 Must-See Astronomical Events in the July Night Sky (2023)
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 2023 is somewhere in the middle; throughout the July night sky, you'll have the chance to spot planets, shooting stars, and even some deep space objects...
How to Plan a Voyageurs National Park Stargazing Trip (2023)
When nightfall descends upon Voyageurs National Park – one of America's best national parks for stargazing – an entirely new world comes alive. Nestled in Minnesota's far north, this treasured national park transforms into an awe-inspiring celestial theater under the dark skies. Far from the light pollution of urban sprawl, Voyageurs National Park is a sanctuary for stargazers, offering some of the clearest, most pristine skies in the country...
