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Astro Tourism in Minnesota

Moderator: Lilah

Post by heinerv » Sat Nov 19, 2022 4:45 pm

Re: Astro Tourism in Minnesota

Post by SEmert » Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:08 pm

Post by clayton » Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:47 pm

Post by markjob » Tue Nov 22, 2022 10:32 pm

Post by FF2Rydia » Thu Nov 24, 2022 5:04 am

SEmert wrote: ↑ Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:08 pm Good piece, and surprisingly long for TV, nearly 7 minutes.

Post by Dick Jacobson » Thu Nov 24, 2022 8:07 am

Post by the_chemist » Sat Nov 26, 2022 1:00 pm

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Spend Your Star-Studded Astrotourism Getaway at One of These 4 US Destinations

Astrotourism is basically the JOMO of wanderlusting vacations —there's very little to do beyond simply looking up and watching. Furthermore, it's on the up and up.  Airbnb even named astrotourism a bona fide trend earlier this year after seeing booking surges in accordance with celestial events, like the total solar eclipse in 2017 . (The platform reports that more than 50,000 Airbnb guests from 26 countries traveled to the United States to see the full eclipse).  

But what even is it? Well, as its name suggests, astrotourism is rooted in all things astronomy and the stars; it's about gazing up and nerding out about the galaxies beyond us. You'd be right to point out that this just sounds like good old "stargazing,"  but the uptick in people dedicating their precious vacation days to chasing the best celestial sights rightfully calls for a new name.

While there are plenty of gold-star (had to) destinations for stargazing (hello, aurora borealis views from Iceland ), our own United States of America offers plenty of perfectly shiny locales for pausing and taking in the literally out-of-this-world views.

Might sound like good old "stargazing," but the uptick in people dedicating their precious vacation days to chasing the best celestial sights rightfully calls for a new name.

Ready to plan your own stargazing trip without having to dust off your passport? We've got you covered.

4 cities in the US perfect for an out-of-this-world astrotourism getaway.

1. Fairbanks, Alaska

Known as a must-visit city because of its viewing opportunities of the northern lights, Fairbanks is also a haven for both novice and expert star peepers. The key to catching the best sights in Alaska, however, is bundling up and visiting during the winter months when the skies are clearest  and darkest. Include a visit to Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium to soak up some star-powered knowledge.

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2. Moab, Utah

Yet another dessert destination with peaks galore and natural wonders, Moab  boasts several designated Dark Sky Parks , per the International Dark-Sky Association , an organization that targets light pollution. So basically, expect to see everything .

Pick from viewing the stars at Dead Horse Point State Park , Arches National Park , or Canyonlands National Park for an unparalleled astronomical experience. Also, make sure to pack binoculars for your visit; if you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of Saturn’s rings .

3. Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico as an entire state offers plenty of reasons worthy of planning a trip (think: brilliantly blue skies, stunning sunsets, unreal-looking rock formations ideal for long hikes ). But Albuquerque has a special draw: the stars, or rather being able to view them super clearly. The areas surrounding the city are known for having low light pollution, meaning less in your way when you gaze up at the sparkling orbs above.

Road trip a few hours outside Albuquerque proper to Chaco Canyon,  a national historical park of New Mexico  that's c lassified as an official Dark Sky Park  (read: nationally recognized awesome stargazing conditions).  And your daytime itinerary is covered, too with ancient ruins available for exploration.

4. Valentine, Nebraska

About a five-hour drive Northwest of Omaha sits Valentine, a city of fewer than 3,000 people, and about 27 miles Northeast of Valentine is the even more remote Merritt Reservoir Snake Campground, which hosts the annual weeklong  Nebraska Star Party . While it might be generally unusual to seek out a vacation spot that prides itself on being sparsely populated and poorly lit, it's kind of NSP's claim to fame.

During the event, sky observation is on the nightly schedule from dusk till dawn (obviously), but other programming—like canoeing and photo contests—is available for registered festival goers. And no sweat if you're new to astronomy and simply got roped into a summer road trip with buddies: There's a Beginners Field School that breaks down knowledge about the stars and how to view them best.  Intrigued? Mark your calendar for January 1, 2019, when registration for the 2019 NST—from July 28 through August 2—opens.

Want more outdoorsy travel ideas? Check out the most Instagram-worthy waterfall hikes in each state . Or just beeline to Joshua Tree for a rock-climbing adventure .

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About the Minnesota Astronomical Society

A humble beginning.

In 1972, Minneapolis-based E&W Optical Company was a haven for Twin Cities amateur astronomers seeking advice, optics for their projects or for commercially produced telescopes, and accessories.

That year, then-president of the 3M Club Astronomical Society, Jim Fox, placed a poster at E&W suggesting that the creation of an amateur astronomy cloud may be a good idea. A dozen potential members attended an organizing meeting in November of 1972 at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The Twin City Astronomy Club was born.

From this humble beginning grew the Minnesota Astronomical Society. Today, more than 50 years later, the MAS is one of the largest and most active amateur astronomy organizations in the United States.

The MAS will always be an accepting place for all members of the community. We appreciate  diversity  in our community and welcome everyone.

The Society’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

The Minnesota Astronomical Society members, through a quorum vote,  approved the below Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation on June 2, 2022.  Complete PDF documents are available in the sections below.

Bylaws of The Minnesota Astronomical Society

Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of a future federal tax code.

This corporation shall not be operated for profit, but rather shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The specific purpose of Corporation is educational and charitable:

1-Educational:

To instruct the public about astronomy through observational and informational platforms, lectures, forums, discussion groups, classes, publications, and other celestial observation events.

2-Charitable:

To advance education by establishing and maintaining observational and informational facilities for the benefit of the community, seeking to enhance community knowledge about and involvement in astronomy, and promoting camaraderie through mutual interest in astronomy.

Complete Current Bylaws of the Minnesota Astronomical Society (PDF)

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of The Minnesota Astronomical Society

Article I – Name of Organization

The name of the nonprofit corporation shall be Minnesota Astronomical Society (hereinafter “Corporation”).

Article II – Registered Office Address and Mailing Address

Corporation’s registered office address shall be: Minnesota Astronomical Society 5353 Gamble Dr., Suite 320 St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Corporation’s registered mailing address shall be: Minnesota Astronomical Society P.O. Box 14391 Minneapolis, MN 55414

Article III – Purpose

Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of a future federal tax code. This corporation shall not be operated for profit, but rather shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The specific purpose of Corporation is educational and charitable:

1-Educational: To instruct the public about astronomy through observational and informational platforms, lectures, forums, discussion groups, classes, publications, and other celestial observation events.

2-Charitable: To advance education by establishing and maintaining observational and informational facilities for the benefit of the community, seeking to enhance community knowledge about and involvement in astronomy, and promoting camaraderie through mutual interest in astronomy.

Complete current Articles of Incorporation of the Minnesota Astronomical Society (PDF)

Guidelines for Forming and Governing Standing Committees of the Minnesota Astronomical Society

Standing committees (“Committees”) may be created within the MAS for various purposes. The Board uses the following rules in establishing and administering MAS Standing Committees.

View the full PDF: Guidelines for Forming and Governing Standing Committees – 6/4/2023

Our Purpose

The Minnesota Astronomical Society is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of a future federal tax code. This corporation shall not be operated for profit, but rather shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The specific purpose of Corporation is educational and charitable:

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2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip

One report estimates one to four million people will travel to see this year’s solar eclipse—but it's not the only cosmic event happening this year.

Constellations and comets. Solar eclipses and the aurora borealis. The cosmos are alive with wonders. Eclipses were mentioned in Assyrian cuneiform tablets as early as 763 B.C. and Han Dynasty documents since 90 B.C. Similarly, the aurora borealis was observed by Assyrian astronomers around 679-655 B.C. and documented by Aristotle between 384 and 322 B.C.

While solar eclipses and the northern lights get the most attention, comets, meteor showers, and other spectacular night sky events happen all year round. Traveling to destinations specifically to stargaze is called astrotourism, and it’s been gaining momentum over the past decade. The 2017 solar eclipse further increased interest, with more than 216 million people attempting to see it , making it one of the largest recorded audiences for any scientific, athletic, or entertainment event.   Plus, the growth of dark sky parks and reserves (designated areas with minimal light pollution) has made it easier for people to engage with the cosmos.

Here’s why 2024 will be huge for astrotourism and where and when you should look up.

The year for astrotourism  

2024 could bring the best auroras in 20 years , including in regions that don’t typically see the northern lights, such as Arizona , Arkansas , and Virginia . Alex Filippenko , an astrophysicist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, says the strength of this year’s northern and southern lights is because the sun is nearing a maximum in its roughly 11-year solar activity cycle, expected to peak in 2025. He adds that the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8 will also be visible in many parts of the U.S., and it will be the last one to occur here until 2044.

In April, the enormous 12P/Pons-Brooks comet will streak toward the inner solar system, becoming so bright that it may be visible to the unaided eye. Nearly three times the size of Mount Everest, the comet will align with the eclipsed sun on April 8 and swing by Jupiter on April 12 before reaching peak brightness on its way to the sun on April 21.

( This Swedish overnight train takes you straight to the northern lights .)

Come August, the annual Perseid meteor shower returns, scattering a flurry of up to 60 shooting stars per hour. On September 17,   Saturn will converge with the moon and do so again on October 14 and 15, November 11, and December 8. This spectacle will be visible to unaided eyes shortly after sunset, though binoculars could make the silvery lunar glow and giant yellow planet appear even more impressive.

Planning your own astro adventure

According to a report by the Great American Eclipse , an estimated one to four million people will travel to see this year’s solar eclipse. In response, travel companies are rocketing into astrotourism.

In 2021, Black Tomato launched a series of bespoke eclipse experiences, including adventures to Argentina and Patagonia and luxury private yacht trips in Antarctica . Wilderness Travel , a California -based adventure company, has offered expert-led eclipse trips for 20 years.

Texas-based Jean Ann LeGrand, who has seen eclipses on several Wilderness Travel trips, says, “the moment is ethereal—the personal excitement, the solar drama, the atmospheric changes; it’s as if you are being drawn in and cloaked in an experience of being made one with the sun.”  

Some of the best cities to view the eclipse in the U.S. are Austin and Dallas , Texas; Cleveland , Ohio; and Rochester and Niagara Falls , New York. Indianapolis has planned events at the Indianapolis Speedway, Children’s Museum, and zoo, where animals are expected to react to the sudden loss of light.

( The best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse .)

August’s Perseid meteor shower is best seen in the Northern Hemisphere. For prime views, head somewhere dark, clear, and far from light pollution and threats of wildfires . Popular places for stargazing and meteor watching are Colorado and California, but to avoid the crowds (and potentially ash-filled skies), consider lesser visited dark skies in Nebraska or South Carolina .

Auroras are much harder to plan for in advance says Filippenko, but nights around the new moon are better than bright full-moon nights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also offers a map that helps you determine whether or not the lights will be visible from your area.

Top spots to see the aurora borealis in Europe include Finland , Scotland , Iceland , and Norway , because they experience many hours of darkness. The southern lights illuminate the skies over the southern tip portions of Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand . But some of the darkest skies won’t be spotted from land. Rather, they’ll be found far from light pollution, in the middle of the ocean. Consider a cruise that passes through northern regions like Greenland and the Canadian Arctic .

Fuel their curiosity with your gift

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Astrotourism: 7 Best Places to Stargaze and Where to Spend the Night

I’m staring through the lens of a powerful telescope, looking deep into the swirling twinkles that make up the Orion Nebula. My guides in this astrotourism adventure, Dakota Hyde and Reagan Crowley, are telling me the light I’m seeing is from some 1,344 years ago.

Mind. Blown.

Nebulas are star-making factories after all. While this particular nebula is close enough to be seen with the naked eye, checking it out through the telescope is a more intense experience. Doing so lets you see details and colors beyond just white light in the night sky.

The telescope is one of two onsite at the Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO), which is set up inside a silo with a retractable roof on the grounds of the Compass Rose Lodge in Utah’s Ogden Valley. The lodge sits at the edge of International Dark Sky Association designated North Fork Dark Sky Park. This is an area in the Ogden Valley that’s worked hard to preserve its night skies for stargazing by limiting light pollution.

Whether it’s chasing eclipses or the northern lights across the globe, full moon parties in dark sky parks or discovering galaxies far, far away through the lens of a telescope, astrotourism is trending in travel. Some 80 percent of Americans cannot even see the Milky Way, but with these seven hotels, you’ll see the night sky in a brand new light.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Many a travel bucket list includes seeing the northern lights and you can cross that one off without a passport by heading to Fairbanks, Alaska. The city sits within the auroral oval by the North Pole in which the Aurora Borealis can be viewed between September and mid-April. There are a number of good observation areas on the outskirts of Fairbanks, but to look for the mysterious flickering green and purple lights from the warmth of a natural outdoor hot spring, you’ll need to book a room at the Chena Hot Springs Resort . The resort is located in a wilderness area about 60 miles northwest of Fairbanks. If you’re flying in and don’t want to drive, however, Chena Hot Springs makes life simple with a roundtrip airport shuttle service for a set fee — $130 one-way for a single guest and $65 per person for two or more guests, also each-way.

Open for more than a century now, Chena was popular with prospectors during the Alaska Gold Rush days. They swore it cured their aches and pains after long days panning for gold. Today the resort has soaking options in natural outdoor hot springs, an adults-only rock lake—the Aurora looks particularly captivating reflecting off of it—and an indoor family pool and hot tubs. Nights are spent chasing the northern lights, but by day there are also lots of activities on offer. These vary by season. In summer you can book horseback riding, fishing or ATV excursions, while in winter there are options for dog-sledding, ice-fishing and cross country skiing among others.

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Mauna kea, hawaii.

Head to Hawaii’s Big Island for an epic astrotourism experience on a dormant volcano. Rent a four-wheel drive (4WD) and ramble over to the 13,803-foot summit of the dormant Mauna Kea volcano. Located just south of Waimea, it’s a stunning spot to watch the sunset.

While atop the summit, check out the visitor’s gallery at the W.M Keck Observatory, where exhibits describe the research and operations at the world’s largest observatory for optical astronomy. Visitors cannot use the telescopes here, but there’s a viewing area with partial views of the in-house done and Keck I telescope—one of the largest optical and infrared telescopes in the world

If you don’t have a 4WD, you can still explore the 9,200-foot basecamp in any vehicle. Here you’ll find the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center, which offers free stargazing programs after dark as well as plenty of info on the island’s culture, geology, and environmental features. By far the coolest aspect of stargazing here, however, is its unique location near the equator that makes it the only spot in the United States where you can see major Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations at once.

On the beachside of the volcanic mountain, you’ll find the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel , which is a good place to stay while exploring this area. Set on a white sand beach, this five-star resort is a romantic favorite that sees many a destination wedding. It offers tropical contemporary rooms and suites but the real highlights are found with al fresco onsite amenities. Play 18 holes on a one-of-a-kind championship course or get pampered with a Balinese-inspired treatment at the swanky onsite Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Ketchum, idaho.

Part of the area surrounding the Central Idaho Dark Sky Preserve, the city of Ketchum is another top astrotourism destination. It’s one of only 11 cities in the U.S. to have the coveted International Dark Sky Community designation, making a commitment to reducing light pollution through ordinances. An example is one ordinance that requires street and building exterior lights to be pointed downward, so you can see what’s in front of you when walking outside at night. Holiday light displays also come with restrictions, but thanks to these regulations, you can lay on your back and look up at the Milky Way and surrounding constellations and see them sparkling brighter than anyone living in a concrete jungle can fathom.

The Hotel Limelight celebrates Ketchum’s dark sky status with free monthly Star Gazing Planetarium Nights that feature a presentation by a local astronomy enthusiast and a mobile planetarium to teach you about the constellations you can view with your naked eye outside.

Limelight Hotel Ketchum

Acadia national park, maine.

Some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States are found along Maine’s rocky coastline and the islands just off it like Mount Desert—home to Acadia National Park. Look up and trace thousands of brilliant stars into constellations with your finger. This area is the largest expanse of naturally dark sky east of the Mississippi and one of the few places in the Northeast that the Milky Way can be seen.

In late September, the Mount Desert Island communities host the five-day Acadia Night Sky Festival . The astrotourism event is a celebration of everything about dark skies and manages to combine music, science, poetry, art, and stargazing events for a holistic festival experience.

Bar Harbor is Mount Desert Island’s anchor town. Here you’ll find the old fashioned style Bar Harbor Grand Hotel . The four-star hotel is a replica of the legendary 19th-century Rodick House Hotel that once served as a favorite hotel with the country’s rich and famous. The original burned to the ground, however, during a 1947 wildfire that consumed much of island’s real estate. So all that remains today is this elegant look-a-like. The Bar Harbor Grand offers period decor in its rooms and suites and great amenities like a heated swimming pool, which is a rarity for Maine. Keep in mind that like most properties in Bar Harbor, it closes for the winter.

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Los cabos, mexico.

Los Cabos, at the southern tip of Baja California, is a stellar stargazing destination thanks to clean, dry desert air, and low levels of light pollution. At the ultra-luxe Las Ventanas al Paraiso , you can stargaze with a private telescope set up on the balcony of your room, whether you book one of their most basic junior suites or the exclusive three-bedroom presidential villa. At the Oceanview Rooftop Terrace Junior Suite, guests have access to a private rooftop hot tub for soaking between telescope sessions. If you want to understand more about what you’re seeing, the in-house astronomer can help you out.

Rooms also boast wood-burning fireplaces, and in some cases, private Jacuzzis or rooftop sundecks. The hotel is also known for its attentive staff who will even unpack your suitcase, should you wish.

Head out to the pool area for more pampering—butlers will deliver books, magazines, drinks, and sunscreen directly to your sun lounger. When it comes time for dinner, grab ceviche and Mexican tapas in the Sea Grill, which is just one of three on-site restaurants.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort

Huntsville, utah.

In the small town of Huntsville about a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City, the recently opened Compass Rose Lodge is home to the aforementioned HALO observatory and guests can arrange to go up for guided celestial sessions most nights. They also have astro-imaging equipment attached to their telescopes that allows for photographing the rings of Saturn or a remote galaxy.

Compass Rose Lodge is a family-owned boutique hotel with just 15 rooms. Son Dakota handles observatory sessions, while mom and dad, Jeff and Bonnie Hyde, are behind the meticulously curated design throughout, including the lounge area where striking samples of art and old ski memorabilia co-exist harmoniously.

Compass Rose doesn’t have a full-service restaurant onsite, but they do serve aromatic roasted coffee from Australia and snacks throughout the day at the First Lift Coffee shop. They also set out a complimentary breakfast spread (yogurt, cereal, fruit, bread and some pastry choices) in the mornings in a separate dining space.

For dinner, most head across the street to the Shooting Star Saloon. It’s Utah’s oldest bar, in operation since 1879 (it managed to survive prohibition) and serves a very simple menu that’s written on the napkin holder. Don’t expect too much variety, which is part of this spot’s charm. If you have a serious appetite, the Star Burger is a house favorite — it’s two beef patties topped with melted cheese and grilled Polish Knackwurst.

Compass Rose Lodge

Jackson hole, wyoming.

Sitting at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in a sparsely populated region, the valley surrounding the town of Jackson and the Jackson Hole ski resort is another top stargazing destination. In the town of Jackson, you’ll find Wyoming Stargazing , which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making astronomy accessible to everyone. Check out their website to find out about upcoming stargazing and astro-focused experiences.

Surrounded by the craggy peaks of the Tetons, Spring Creek Ranch is a remote mountain hideaway that runs astronomy nights led by a local expert for guests. Beyond the night skies, they run “wildlife safaris” to scout out and photograph elusive local animal residents from moose and elk to bears and wolves. There’s also a myriad of other outdoor activities dependent on the season including fly-fishing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.

Accommodations are in comfortable cabin-style rooms, suites, and villas. Grab dinner with Grand Teton views at the onsite Granary Restaurant. The menu focuses on authentic Rocky Mountain ingredients like trout and elk. Try the Pan Seared Idaho Trout, which comes with a flavorful green chile goat cheese pudding, bacon jam, and tomato oil drizzle.

Spring Creek Ranch

Feature photo by  Greg Rakozy  on  Unsplash

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Astro-tourism: Chasing eclipses, meteor showers, and elusive dark skies from Earth

Vahe Peroomian , USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

For years, small groups of astronomy enthusiasts have traveled the globe chasing the rare solar eclipse. They have embarked on cruises to the middle of the ocean, taken flights into the eclipse’s path and even traveled to Antarctica . In August 2017, millions across the U.S. witnessed a total solar eclipse visible from Oregon to South Carolina, with a partial eclipse visible to the rest of the continental U.S.

The interest in astronomical events that this eclipse sparked will likely return with two eclipses visible in the U.S. during the next year – the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, and the total eclipse on April 8, 2024. But astro-tourism – traveling to national parks, observatories or other natural, dark-sky locations to view astronomical events – isn’t limited just to chasing eclipses.

According to a recent study, 80% of Americans and one-third of the planet’s population can no longer see the Milky Way from their homes because of light pollution . As a consequence, most people have to travel to witness meteor showers and other common astronomical events.

I am a space scientist with a passion for teaching physics and astronomy and photographing the night sky. Every summer I spend several nights backpacking in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, where the skies are sufficiently dark to allow the Milky Way to be seen with the naked eye. My son and I also like to take road trips – often along U.S. 395, the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway – that coincide with eclipses and meteor showers.

Can’t miss astronomical events

There are two types of eclipses. Lunar eclipses occur when the full moon passes through Earth’s shadow. Solar eclipses occur when the new moon briefly blocks the Sun.

There are three types of solar eclipses. During a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, with totality, or the time during which the Sun is completely eclipsed, lasting as long as seven minutes. During totality, those in the path of the eclipse will see the Sun’s corona , or its outer atmosphere, behind the Moon’s silhouette.

The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is an ellipse, so the Moon can appear to be 15% smaller when it’s at its farthest point from Earth, its apogee, compared with its size when it is at its closest point to Earth, its perigee. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon doesn’t cover the entire disk of the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight around the Moon.

Finally, a partial eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks only a part of the Sun’s disk, as the name implies.

Meteor showers are a far more common astronomical event than eclipses, and they are visible from any dark-sky location on Earth. Meteor showers occur when Earth’s orbit around the Sun takes it through the dust left behind by a comet . The Earth sweeps up the dust like a car speeding through a cloud of insects on the highway.

Meteor showers are named for the constellations from which the meteors seem to emanate , though it’s not necessary to stare in that direction to see meteors. The most prominent meteor showers, occurring on approximately the same dates every year, are the Perseids , named for the constellation Perseus and peaking on the night of Aug. 12-13; the Geminids , named for the constellation Gemini, on Dec. 14-15; and the Lyrids , named for the constellation Lyra, on April 21-22. The night sky will be mostly moonless for the first two this year, but a nearly full moon will make the Lyrid shower of 2024 difficult to see.

Tips for aspiring astro-tourists

One of the most important factors to consider when planning an outing to stargaze or to watch a meteor shower is the phase of the Moon. The full moon rises at about 6 p.m. and sets at 6 a.m., making stargazing all but impossible because of its brightness. For ideal stargazing conditions, the Moon should be below the horizon, and the best viewing conditions are during new moon. You can use a moonrise/moonset calculator to determine the phase of the Moon and its rise and set times for any location on Earth.

Another important factor is weather. Amateur astronomers always joke that the sky is cloudy during the most interesting astronomical events. For example, most major cities in the U.S. that are in the path of the April 2024 eclipse have had cloudy skies on April 8 60% of the time since the year 2000.

Most Americans live in heavily light-polluted areas. A light pollution map such as lightpollutionmap.info can help identify the nearest dark-sky location, which, in my case, is hours away. These maps often use the Bortle dark-sky scale , which reports 1 for extremely dark skies to 9 for highly light-polluted city centers.

Though you may still see the brightest meteors from city suburbs, the darker your sky, the more meteors you’ll see. In general, expect to see fewer than 25 meteors per hour . To see the complex structure of the Milky Way with the naked eye, look for a location with a Bortle index of 3 or below.

It’s important to arrive at your chosen site early, preferably during daylight hours. Stumbling around in the dark at an unfamiliar site is a recipe for disaster and may also disturb others who are already at the site. Arriving early also gives time for your eyes to adapt to the dark as night falls, as it typically takes 30 minutes or even longer for your eyes to reach their full dark-adapted potential.

Make sure to carry a headlamp or flashlight that has a red light setting, as red light doesn’t ruin night vision . Avoid using your phone, as even a glance at the screen can ruin your eyes’ dark adaptation. If you’re using a sky-viewing app, switch the app to night mode.

Plan ahead if you’re thinking of traveling to view one of the eclipses visible in the U.S. next year. If you’re in the path of the eclipse , stay put! If you’re traveling, staying at the same location overnight before and after the eclipse can help avoid the hourslong traffic jams experienced by eclipse watchers in 2017.

Also, you should never look at the Sun directly with the naked eye, even during a total eclipse . You’ll need a pair of inexpensive eclipse glasses to watch and fully enjoy the eclipse, but get yours early, as many stores ran out of glasses during the 2017 eclipse.

No matter where you travel during the next year, don’t forget to look up at night and marvel at the beauty of the night sky away from city lights.

Vahe Peroomian , Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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Explore Mongolia

Astro self driving tour, astro archeology tour, astro ecology tour, astro nomadic tour.

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Go nomadic, experience Mongolia with Stars Journey Feelings

Nart Adventures LLC is one of the astounding traveling companies in Mongolia, and we have been operating Astro-Tourism activities since 2014.

Hidden places

Discover sightsee, interesting tour, welcome to mongolia.

Sunshine above your head!

Our history

In recent years, it has planned its core business, focusing on space tourism based on a long term experience in running tours and astronomy outreach throughout Mongolia.

Cooperation

We work for the development of Astro-Tourism in Mongolia and give Mongolians the opportunity Mongolians to explore other parts of the universe.We help both travelers and industry experts to obtain and exchange accurate information about Mongolian tourism sector and around the world.

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The reason for Mongolia to be the perfect place for Astro-tourism

• There is the world’s lowest population density in Mongolia which includes small amount of population (around 3.3 million), and large amount of area (total: 1,566,000 km2)
• No light pollution and no other obstacles to enjoy the stargazing
• Stunning nature, incredible landscape and unique wildlife
• Pleasant four seasons to experience different weather conditions: summer, autumn, winter and spring

Reasons we Love

• Our tour services offer unique areas which are marvelous for stargazing and different natural zones such as Grassland area, Desert area, Mountain area, Forest area
• Great opportunity to one of extinguishing nomadic lifestyle with cultures inherited thousands of years
• Historic sites reserves great past of Great Mongolian empire and Central Asian nomadic tribes

night stars

Blue sky mongolia.

• Mongolia has one of the most beautiful night skies all over the world. The average elevation of Mongolia is above 1580 meters. Mother nature gives Mongolia an endless wide steppeland and pure blue sky which makes a clean and transparent night for the stargazers.
• Also stargazing and astronomical observations have been an important part of the nomadic culture for centuries. Navigation and localization, weather predictions, or time and date determination used to be possible only thanks to the deep knowledge of the skies. And this kind of knowledge has been passed on from old generation to new generation.

Rich history

• Mongolia has one of the greatest histories in humankind. Through thousands of years, Mongolia had a number of great empires including Hunn, Sumbe, Nirun, Kidan and Great Mongolia which is known for conquering half of the world and its role in the history of the modern world. For instance, Great Kublai Khan of the Mongolian Yuan dynasty established an Astronomical Observatory in 1279. It is one of the oldest and famous observatories in the world and covers an area of 10,000 square meters.

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Travel to mongolia with stars, events & blog, astro-ecology tour event in the gobi desert, mongolia, “astro – ecology in gobi desert” project workshop.

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511 Travel Info

News releases

June 27, 2024

Latest news releases

UPDATE - No. 9: Update on south central highways impacted by flooding

MANKATO, Minn. (4:30 p.m.) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to closely monitor state highways in south central and the southwest corner of Minnesota due to flooding caused by recent heavy rains.

MnDOT opened Highway 169 from Mankato to St. Peter today, June 27. Additionally, Highway 60 in Windom also opened to traffic today, one lane in each direction.

In St. Peter, Highway 169 from Union Street to Dodd Road is open with traffic shifted head-to-head onto the southbound lanes, with a 7-ton weight restriction. The northbound lanes are still underwater and remain closed.

Motorists should check 511mn.org for current information and follow posted detour routes.  

Highways CLOSED or have traffic restrictions as of 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27:

• Lane closures on northbound and southbound Highway 169/93 near Le Sueur (June 25). Watch for water over the road on southbound Highway 169 north of Le Sueur.
• Highway 169 from Le Sueur to Dodd Road in St. Peter. Traffic is detoured to County Roads 8, 20, Hwy 22 (Dodd Road) in St. Peter, to Hwy 169. (June 25)
• Highway 60 in Windom. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction. (June 24)
• Highway 62 in Windom. Traffic is detoured to 6th Ave. S and Highway 60. (closed June 24)
• Highway 22 south of St. Peter to Kasota. Traffic may use the Highway 169 detour, Highway 99 (south of St. Peter), Nicollet County Road 13, and Highway 14. (closed June 24)
• Highway 169/60 - all entrance and exit ramps to the Lookout Drive/Center Street area in North Mankato are closed (June 24)
• Highway 99, near the Minnesota River bridge, east of St. Peter – bridge and highway are closed. Traffic is detoured to Highway 169, Highways 14, 22, Shanaska Creek Road, and Le Sueur County Road 21 (Golf Course Road).
• Highway 71 in Jackson. Traffic is detoured to Interstate 90, Highway 86, and Jackson County Road 34. (closed June 22)
• Highway 93, between Highway 169 and Le Sueur. Motorists should use alternate routes. (closed June 22).
• Highway 60 north of Heron Lake to Worthington. Traffic detoured to I-90 and Highway 86. (closed June 22)
• Highway 13 in Waterville. Open to local traffic only; expect delays. Turn lane restrictions (June 21)
• Highway 19 east of Henderson. Traffic detoured to Highway 19 west of Henderson, Sibley County Road 17 (391st Avenue), Sibley County Road 8 (336th Street), and Highway 169. (closed June 19)
• Highway 62 near Cottonwood County Road 18.  Traffic is detoured to Wilder via County Roads 18, 13, 86, Maple Street, 5th Ave., Pine Street, and Highway 60.

Highways OPEN:

• Highway 169, Mankato to Dodd Road in St. Peter.
• Highway 15 north of Madelia.
• Highway 62 east of Fulda (near Talcot Lake)
• Highway 14 near Janesville.
• Highway 30 east of Mapleton.
• Eastbound Highway 60 east of Lake Crystal. Lane restrictions removed.
• The detour for the entrance ramp closure at Highway 169 to eastbound I-90 near Blue Earth has been routed back to Faribault County Road 16 and 17. 
• Highway 22 in Mankato near Bassett Drive. Turn lane restrictions removed.
• Highway 4 north of St. James. (Note that Highway 4 south of Sleepy Eye is closed due to construction)
• Highway 30 east of Westbrook.
• Highway 59, north of Worthington. Lane restrictions removed from multiple locations.
• Highway 75 near Hardwick. Lane restrictions removed.
• Highway 75, south of Luverne to the Iowa border.
• Highway 91, north of Adrian
• Highway 86 (two miles south of I-90). Lane restriction removed.
• Highway 13, south of Waseca
• Eastbound Interstate 90 from Luverne to Adrian.
• Westbound Interstate 90 from Worthington to Luverne
• Highway 22 south of Kasota. Lane restrictions removed.

MnDOT crews will continue to monitor flooded highways and bridges and open them as soon as it is safe to do so. Highways and bridges impacted by floods need to be inspected for damage and safety prior to opening.

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota including road conditions, closures and detour routes, visit 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Important: There are numerous county, city, and township roads closed due to flooding. Road conditions shown on 511mn.org only reflect state highway conditions. Please check with your county, city, and township for their road conditions and travel guidance.