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 12 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona is arguably the best city for stargazing in the United States – if not the world. Home to the International Dark-Sky Association (STG founder Valerie is a proud member!), the city of Tucson has taken large and bold steps to reduce light pollution, and it is one of the best mid-sized cities where you can stargaze right within the city...
How to Plan a Capitol Reef Stargazing Trip in 2023
When it comes to stargazing, there are few places quite like Utah. As one of the U.S. states with the most designated dark sky places, Utah is a haven for stargazers – and for those who love exploring our National Parks system. Most travelers know Utah's famous parks, like Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion – but there's another, lesser-visited park that's actually just as good (if not better) than those parks when it comes to stargazing. Say hello to Capitol Reef National Park...
8 Budget-Friendly Telescopes Under $200 (2023)
As you get more interested in astronomy, you might find yourself wanting equipment to level up your stargazing experience. After all, while our eyes are great tools for exploring the wonders of the night sky, they're also severely limited. That's why we spend literally billions of dollars to launch space telescopes like Hubble, Spitzer, and Webb... And why people invest in telescopes right here on earth...
18 Great Spots for Stargazing in Hawaii
Most people visit Hawaii for daytime activities: snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring the active volcanic areas of each of the five main islands that attract travelers. For stargazing, Hawaii is also a great destination: each island offers a unique quality to the night sky, and Hawaii’s remoteness and concentrated residential development create dark sky areas that are among the best in the world...
7 Good Beginner Telescopes Under $100 (2023)
When you just start out as a stargazer, there's a literal universe to discover. And initially, you can make many discoveries by just using your own two eyes and finding a good stargazing spot with dark skies. But as your interest in astronomy increases, you might want to increase your viewing power and invest in some equipments to unlock the deeper secrets of the solar system and beyond...
23 Must-See Astronomy Events in the 2023 Night Sky
The New Year is upon us – and you know what that means! It’s time to turn over calendars, come up with resolutions, and look forward to another orbit ’round the sun. After passing perihelion on January 4th, the Earth will move on its elliptical orbit to its furthest point from the sun on July 4th, and then return back 3 million miles closer by this time next year...
Where to See the Apollo Command Modules (Updated for 2023)
Our lunar legacy is more important than ever as we mark the 50th anniversary of mankind's first steps on the moon. Both NASA and private companies now have their sights on the moon. The best way to prepare for these missions is to learn from those missions that have been there before...
15 of the Best Observatories in the U.S. to Visit in 2023
While everyone can enjoy the wonders of the night sky from their backyard or a nearby dark sky destination, there's nothing quite like visiting an observatory. Observatories offer awe-inspiring views of objects in our solar system and deep space.. Often what we can see at these astronomy centers is better than you'll ever see on our own, even if you own a telescope...
11 Must-See Astronomy Events in the January Night Sky (2023)
Happy New Year! As 2023 kicks off, it's a great time to make a resolution: to go stargazing and appreciate the night sky more! While January has fewer night sky events than December 2022, it's still a great chance to start the new year out with some quiet solitude under the stars...
9 Nice Spots for Stargazing in New Hampshire
Whether you're visiting New Hampshire for leaf-peeping in the fall and happen to catch one of that season's many meteor showers or want to plan a summer trip up north out of the region's major cities, New Hampshire is a strong contender for those who love stargazing and seeing a different part of the country...
