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.
5 Great Binoculars Under $200 for Astronomy in 2023
While telescopes get all the glory, smart stargazers know that binoculars can also be a great option if you're looking to invest in equipment to up your astronomy game. Astronomy binoculars offer a number of advantages compared to telescopes – up to a certain point – including ease of use and bifocal viewing. If you're considering investing in binoculars instead of a telescope, you've come to the right place...
6 Great Binoculars Under $100 for Stargazing in 2023
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...
The 12 Best Spots for Stargazing in Milwaukee
I'll be completely honest: when I started this site, I had big plans to create stargazing guides for every big city in the U.S., as well as many of the smaller ones. My hope was that getting more people out to see the night sky would help inspire us to better protect the darkness and our planet. Through my research, I soon learned that there are some parts of the country where – again, complete frankness – the stargazing just kind of sucks....
The 5 Best Astronomy Binoculars Under $50 (2023)
When most people think of stargazing with equipment, the first thing that comes to mind is a telescope. This certainly makes sense, as telescopes have a much greater range of use and can be made to peer much further into deep space. However binoculars should not be overlooked, especially for beginners who might not want to invest a ton or feel comfortable switching to an entirely new piece of equipment that's only useful at night...
How to Plan a Zion National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
Did you know Zion Park is the fourth most popular national park in the United States? (Or that it's one of the best national parks for stargazing?) People are drawn to visit for the beautiful natural rock formations, the great hiking trails, and the chance to see a night sky that's almost entirely free of light pollution. Yes, it's true: one of the best reasons to visit Zion National Park is stargazing...
The 15 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Honolulu
For most people, a trip to Hawaii means a vacation full of beaches and sunshine. For space enthusiasts among us, it also means a chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy some leisurely stargazing, with maybe a palm tree or two in the foreground...
18 Awe-Inspiring Spots for Stargazing in Arizona
When it comes to sightseeing in the United States, Arizona doesn't typically make the list. Sure, there's the Grand Canyon – and that is definitely a crowd pleaser –, but most people flock to the coasts and the big cities when they're exploring the U.S. That is, unless you're a night sky fanatic, and you want to go stargazing in Arizona. Then you already know that Arizona's one of the best places in the country to do so...
The 6 Best Stargazing Telescopes for Every Budget (2023)
As an amateur astronomer, your most powerful tool to unlock the mysteries of the universe is your telescope. But especially when you're first starting out stargazing, it can be hard to know which telescope to invest in. How much should you spend? Which features should you care about? Choosing between the best stargazing telescopes for your budget is a tough decision...
9 Must-See Events in the February Night Sky (2023)
February is always a short month; in 2023, it also happens to be one of the quietest months of the year for astronomy events. While we normally get creative to find a good number of reasons to get out and go stargazing each month, the February night sky will certainly beautiful – but not particularly full of special astronomical experiences...
How to Plan an Acadia National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
The wind whips up over the mountaintop. It's the kind of night where you can't help but shiver – except there are so many stars overhead that it's distractingly beautiful. This is what it's like stargazing in Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is one of the best spots for stargazing in New England, one of the biggest dark sky locations in the Eastern Seaboard, and...
