How to Drive the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada
There are a lot of great road trips across America, but there's only one that seems specifically designed for fans of space and astrotourists like us: the Extraterrestrial Highway. Whether you believe that alien life exists (obviously), are sure that they've visited us on earth (questionable, but let's talk), or just need a change of scenery and have never explored Nevada before, the Extraterrestrial Highway is a great road trip for fans of space...
6 Great Telescopes Under $500 for Your Next Upgrade (2023)
When it comes time to upgrade your telescope, there’s a lot to consider. After having a starter telescope in the $100 to $200 range, you’ve probably learned which types of telescopes you like (and know how) to use; you’ve also noticed some features you may enjoy – or perhaps absolutely hate and want different on your next telescope. In any case, upgrading your telescope is a big deal...
22 Stunning Spots for Stargazing in Texas
Texas is known for everything big: big cattle, big cowboy hats... and big dark skies. Stargazing in Texas is a real treat because of those dark skies, especially in the western part of the state – but there are tons of amazing destinations to visit across Texas during the daylight hours...
How to Plan the Perfect Pinnacles National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
The Golden State is home to many wonders, and this is no better encapsulated than in the nine national parks in California. There you'll find towering Redwoods, steaming fumaroles, otherworldly Joshua Trees, and the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite...
7 Great Telescopes Under $300 for Your Next Upgrade (2023)
While stargazing is great, there's nothing like unlocking the wonders of the night sky with a telescope. And while I've shared a few other posts about telescopes at different price points (from $200 to $2000, and the best options under $1000), it helps to know multiple options at given lower price points...
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...
How to Plan a Jasper National Park Stargazing Trip in 2023
At 4,335 square miles, Jasper National Park is the second-largest Canadian Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and the largest easily accessible one. The largest one, Wood Buffalo, is also in the province of Alberta, but far more difficult to reach. Jasper is a stargazer’s paradise, and even from the town of Jasper, you can take in star-filled skies and northern lights...