Question 1

Do I need any astronomy experience?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! These tours are designed for beginners and curious minds of all levels. We explain everything clearly and answer questions throughout the night.

Question 2

What time does the tour start?

Accepted Answer

The tour starts soon after sunset to avoid running late into night. However, sunset times change throughout the year, meaning tour times do as well. When booking a tour, you can see an individual night's start time. The start times range from 6:55 at the earliest to 8:50 at the latest.

Question 3

How long is the tour?

Accepted Answer

Tours last approximately 2 hours.

Question 4

What can I expect to see during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Exact objects vary depending on time of year. You'll possibly observe the Moon, constellations, planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies through our telescopes. Shooting stars, satellites (including the International Space Station), and rocket launches may be seen if you're lucky.

Check out our Astronomy Calendar for the dates on the full moons, meteor showers, and other celestial events and our star map to see what constellations, planets, and other objects are out the night of your tour.

Question 5

What's the best night to book a tour?

Accepted Answer

That all depends on what you want out of the night. Most nights run generally the same. Contents of the tour will vary depending on the time of year, as the planets, constellations, and deep sky objects that are visible change throughout the year. The Moon is also a primary variable, with full moon nights providing a great view of the Moon, but also less of the stars, and nights closer to the new moon providing darker skies with more stars, but no Moon.

Take a look at our Astronomy Calendar to see a full schedule of the lunar cycle, as well as dates of other celestial events, such as meteor showers, to help you pick the night that's right for you.

Question 6

If I book a tour during a meteor shower, will I see any shooting stars?

Accepted Answer

Possibly! We can't promise you'll see any, but keep your eyes out, and you might just spot one. You're most likely to see a shooting star on the night of a meteor shower's peak. Additionally, some meteor showers are better than others.

Check out our Astronomy Calendar to see the start, peak, and end dates of meteor showers throughout the year. Also note the lunar phase, you are more likely to see shooting stars on nights around the new moon than nights around the full moon.

Question 7

Do you answer questions from the audience during the tour?

Accepted Answer

We love answering questions! If you have a question at any point, feel free to just ask and our knowledgeable guide will answer.

Question 8

Who would enjoy the tour?

Accepted Answer

Our stargazing tours are designed for all levels of interest and experience, whether you’re a first-time stargazer or a lifelong space enthusiast.

This tour is perfect for:

Families, couples, and small groups
First-time stargazers and curious beginners
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Travelers visiting the Lake Arrowhead / Big Bear area
Photography and astrophotography enthusiasts
Science and space fans of all ages

Question 9

Would kids enjoy the tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The tour is designed for curious minds of any age. Our guide is experienced in working in informal education settings with children of all ages.  Children 16 and under get in with a reduced price, while children 5 and under get in free!

Question 10

How much does a tour cost?

Accepted Answer

The regular price for a tour is $100 a person. Children age 6 to 16 get a discounted price of $70 and children 5 and under get in for free. Private and mobile stargazing tours may cost more.

Question 11

Do you offer private tours?

Accepted Answer

Contact us directly to inquire about booking a private tour. Private tour pricing varies depending on group size, time of week, and special requests. Private tours can only be hosted on a night that has no other guests booked at the time of scheduling.

Question 12

I want a stargazing tour in my backyard/at my event. Can you travel to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer mobile stargazing tours and will travel to you. Whether you want us at your location of choice or want stargazing as an option at the event/party you're hosting, we'll customize a showing based on your desires. Mobile stargazing tours vary in cost depending on the location, night, number of people, type of event, and special requests.Contact us to book a mobile stargazing tour. Please note that a mobile stargazing tour can only be booked on a night which has no standard stargazing tour booked at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions