Night Sky Tourist

Award-winning author Craig Childs joins me to chat about his brand new book, The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light. We talk about his adventure of biking across the Bortle Scale from the blindingly bright Las Vegas Strip to the darkest night of the Great Basin of Nevada. He shares his thoughts about what the night would look like if we inhabited a lone solar system floating between galaxies, how ancient cultures anchored the night sky to their local landscape, and why light at night is so seductive.LINKS FROM EPISODE 127:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Order The Wild Dark book here: https://www.torreyhouse.org/the-wild-dark Craig Childs: http://www.houseofrain.com/index.cfm The Bortle Scale: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/light-pollution-and-astronomy-the-bortle-dark-sky-scale/ Night Sky Tourist events: https://nightskytourist.com/events/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Tired of living disconnected from nature's rhythms while racing through an endless calendar of obligations? This episode explores how Cross-Quarter Days—the forgotten midpoints between solstices and equinoxes—can transform your year from four rushed seasons into eight meaningful moments of pause and reflection. Rather than borrowing ancient Celtic traditions that don't match your local landscape, discover how to create place-based celebrations anchored to what's actually happening in your backyard: which plants are fruiting, what animals are active, how the night sky shifts, and what indigenous peoples called each full moon. Joined by Mariah Gladstone, founder of Indigikitchen and expert in indigenous food systems, we'll discuss how regular gatherings around seasonal, locally-sourced meals can reconnect you to both your natural surroundings and your community. This conversation will give you practical tools for slowing down and finding meaning in nature's calendar, without cultural appropriation or complicated rituals.LINKS FROM EPISODE 126:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Indigikitchen: https://www.indigikitchen.com/ Indigikitchen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Indigikitchen Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/books “The Little-Known Links between Holidays and Cross-Quarter Days”: https://nightskytourist.com/cross-quarter-days/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Scorpius dominates the summer night skies and captures the imagination of people around the world. The red “heart of the scorpion,” Antares, twinkles brightly, and a nearby star cluster is visible to the naked eye from dark locations. Meanwhile, summer is scorpion season on the ground, creating a perfect anchor between the night sky and the land. But not all cultures see a scorpion. I’ll take you to the Polynesian culture to introduce you to the connection between the demigod Maui and the constellation Scorpius.LINKS FROM EPISODE 125:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Video demonstration of the ecliptic (1 minute): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoFct5WwVys Night Sky Tourist Events Calendar: https://nightskytourist.com/events/ “Curate Your Stargazing Kit” by Night Sky Tourist: https://nightskytourist.com/stargazingkit/VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Astrotourism is barreling through the tourism industry like a freight train, and one visionary, Gamal Jadue Zalaqett, has brought his dream for the Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa to life in the San Luis Valley in Colorado. Located just south of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, these luxury domes, stargazing park, spa, and observatory are the perfect complement for those looking to connect with nature and see pristine night skies. LINKS FROM EPISODE 124:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa: https://www.kosmosresort.com/Kosmos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kosmosresort/ Kosmos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosmosresort Kosmos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kosmosresort Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/ Night Sky Tourist Events Calendar: https://nightskytourist.com/events/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

There’s a new tent that's flipping the stargazing experience for campers on its head. Joe Bissonnette, the creator of this extraordinary tent, shares his expert tips for finding the best dark sky locations for camping, choosing the right lighting for nighttime camping without disrupting your night vision, and explains what makes Sky View Tents completely different from every other tent on the market. With their breakthrough see-through mesh technology, Sky View Tents let campers sleep directly under the night sky while staying protected from the elements and critters. Perfect timing for summer camping season, this episode gives stargazers and outdoor enthusiasts the inside scoop on this game-changing tent technology and practical advice for planning their next dark sky camping adventure.LINKS FROM EPISODE 123:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Sky View Tents: https://skyviewtents.com/?ref=NIGHTSKYTOURISTWhen you use this link, you get a discount and I get a small commission. This is a great way to support two small businesses: Sky View Tents & Night Sky Tourist. Thank you for using this link when you order a tent.VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Take your next stargazing adventure to another level with stargazing river rafting. Tom Beckett shares what it’s like to stargaze from the canyons after a day spent on the river. As a river guide with Holiday River Expeditions, Tom introduces rafters to the wonders of the night sky with cultural star stories far from light pollution. LINKS FROM EPISODE 122:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Holiday River Expeditions: https://www.bikeraft.com/ “8 Essential Astrotourism Tips”: https://nightskytourist.com/astrotourism-tips/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Nevada probably has more land under pristine dark skies than any other state. And if you love an epic road trip, you’ll want to get your map and pack your bags for the Park to Park in the Dark Highway. In this episode, I chat with Liz Woolsey, owner of Stargazer Inn in Baker, Nevada, to chat about this stargazer’s wonderland and how you can get the most out of your trip along this route.LINKS FROM EPISODE 121:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Custom Road Trip Itineraries: https://nightskytourist.com/customtrip/ Park to Park in the Dark Highway: https://parktoparkinthedark.org/ Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store: https://stargazernevada.com/ Travel Nevada: https://travelnevada.com/ DarkSky International: https://darksky.org/ Death Valley National Park: https://www.nps.gov/deva/ Great Basin National Park: https://www.nps.gov/grba/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Think you need to escape the city to connect with the cosmos? Think again! In this week's episode, I reveal seven unexpected ways to experience the night sky and astronomy while visiting urban destinations across North America.From touching billion-year-old meteorites to standing underneath a space shuttle that left our atmosphere and returned, these urban astrotourism experiences prove that cosmic wonders are hiding in plain sight—even in our most light-polluted cities.Whether you're planning a family vacation or business trip, discover how to add some celestial magic to your next urban adventure!LINKS FROM EPISODE 120:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Arc to Arcturus, Then Speed on to Spica: Spring Star Hopping: https://nightskytourist.com/spring-star-hopping/ Downloadable PDF of these urban astrotourism tricks: email me at vicky@nightskytourist.com to request the PDF, and I’ll drop it right into your Inbox.VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

In this episode, I welcome travel journalist Stephanie Vermillion to discuss her captivating new National Geographic book, 100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Adventures After Dark. Stephanie's work takes us beyond traditional stargazing to explore extraordinary nocturnal adventures across cultures—from Viking-style midwinter bonfires in Scotland to the ethereal beauty of Petra by candlelight and traditional Japanese moon-viewing celebrations. With features in Travel + Leisure, Vogue, and Backpacker, plus her new astrotourism column with Outside Magazine, Stephanie shares how nighttime experiences around the world engage all our senses and deepen our connection to the cosmos.LINKS FROM EPISODE 110:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Stephanie Vermillion: https://stephanievermillionstudio.com/ Stephanie Vermillion on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bystephanievermillion/ US Route 89 website (check out the Custom Trip Itineraries): https://usroute89.com/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEVisit the Night Sky Tourist website to book private stargazing experiences, read inspiring articles, and find resources to take your stargazing to the next level. You can find us at: https://nightskytourist.com/ FOLLOW & SUPPORTRate us: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple PodcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTouristNewsletter: Sign up at NightSkyTourist.com for exclusive content and updatesQuestions? Email Hello@NightSkyTourist.com

Ranger Amy Burnett returns to the podcast so we can explore the world of owls in their world of natural darkness. We talk about how our other senses heighten when stargazing, the diverse calls of different owl species, and why owls are threatened by increasing light pollution. Amy shares tips for the best times of year to listen for owls and how the phases of the moon guide their behavior.Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply curious about the natural world after sunset, this episode will inspire you to expand your nighttime experiences.Visit NightSkyTourist.com/118 for more information about this episode.CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 118:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Ranger Amy Burnett on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rangeramy Ranger Amy Burnett on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rangeramy.bsky.social Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival: https://fhdarksky.com/events/festival/ Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU!FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/ SPREAD THE WORDHelp us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others.GET TO KNOW US MOREVisit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers.SHARE YOUR QUESTIONWe want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.COMMENTS OR QUESTIONSEmail us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Embark on a thrilling journey to the slopes of Utah in this episode of Night Sky Tourist. Join us as we explore the magical experience of night skiing with special guest Amber Palmer, the creative marketing mind behind Brian Head Resort and an avid skier and mountain climber. Discover how this unexpected mountain paradise, sitting at 10,000 feet elevation just minutes from Cedar Breaks National Monument, offers the unique opportunity to carve through fresh powder under a canopy of stars. Amber reveals what makes Brian Head a must-visit destination for both skiing enthusiasts and stargazers alike in Utah's remarkable winter landscape.Visit NightSkyTourist.com/117 for more information about this episode.CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 117:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Brian Head Resort: https://www.brianhead.com/ 2025 Dark Sky Festivals & Star Parties: https://nightskytourist.com/2025festivals/ Brighton Ski Resort: https://www.brightonresort.com/ Cherry Peak Ski Resort: https://www.skicpr.com/ Powder Mountain: https://powdermountain.com/ Sundance Mountain Resort: https://www.sundanceresort.com/ Woodward Park City: https://www.woodwardparkcity.com/ Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU!FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/ SPREAD THE WORDHelp us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others.GET TO KNOW US MOREVisit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers.SHARE YOUR QUESTIONWe want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.COMMENTS OR QUESTIONSEmail us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

The city of Tucson, Arizona, recently launched a new program for residents and tourists called the Astro Trail. You might not think you can stargaze in a city of a million people, but Tucson isn’t your typical metropolis. This is a city that takes its night sky seriously without compromising the quality of life. Arizona is affectionately known as the Astronomy State, and Tucson sits right at its heart. In this episode, Cindy Aguilar from Visit Tucson joins me to give us the scoop on the new Astro Trail program.Visit NightSkyTourist.com/116 for more information about this episode.CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 116:2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download):https://nightskytourist.com/guide/ Visit Tuscon:https://www.visittucson.org/ Tucson Astro Trail:https://www.visittucson.org/plan-your-visit/maps-and-guides/astro-trail/ DarkSky International:https://darksky.org/ Article:Cosmic Adventures Through Arizona’s Observatories:https://nightskytourist.com/arizona-observatories/ Night Sky Tourist Events Calendar:https://nightskytourist.com/events/ Night Sky Tourist Star Dudes:https://nightskytourist.com/stardudes/ Night Sky Tourist Telescope Setup & Training Sessions:nightskytourist.com/telescopeNight Sky Tourist Speaking Request:nightskytourist.com/speakingRate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU!FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/ SPREAD THE WORDHelp us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others.GET TO KNOW US MOREVisit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers.SHARE YOUR QUESTIONWe want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.COMMENTS OR QUESTIONSEmail us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

From moving tides to mysterious red shadows, the Moon's influence on Earth and humanity runs deep. Join my conversation with NASA Solar System Ambassador Scott Grzybowski for an insider's look at our celestial companion, exploring everything from ancient lunar mysteries to the science behind blood moons and supermoons. Then, step outside for a guided tour of an extraordinary celestial event as we navigate the current Parade of Planets stretching across our winter sky. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/115 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 115: 2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/  2025 Moon Guide: Seasons, Stories & Celebrations (FREE): https://nightskytourist.com/2025-moon-guide/  2025 Meteor Showers: Your Guide to Nature’s Cosmic Fireworks (FREE): https://nightskytourist.com/2025-meteor-showers/  All about the moon on the NASA website: https://science.nasa.gov/moon/  NASA video of the moon phases: https://science.nasa.gov/moon/  Lunar tidal locking: https://science.nasa.gov/moon/tidal-locking/ Find lunar eclipse times in your area: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

I’m officially naming Highway 89, from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, America’s Starlight Highway. And with the two big announcements I make in this episode, you’ll agree that I’m uniquely qualified to give it that title. I’m joined by James Cowlin to talk about a website he started years ago called USroute89.com. This episode is as much a celebration of two incredible bits of news as it is an inspiration for your future road trips. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/114 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 114: 2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/  USroute89.com: https://usroute89.com/  National Geographic’s “Top 10 Drivers’ Drives” article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/drivers-drives-traveler  Sanpitch Dragon article & video: https://usroute89.com/us-route-89-roadside-diversion-sanpitch-dragon/ James Cowlin Photographs: https://www.jamescowlin.com/index  Sway Wild: https://swaywild.com/ Sway Wild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaywild/  Sway Wild “Highway 89”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuBTvbFi5tg  Osha Gray Davidson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oshagraydavidson/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR13XamY00RwkZ0uTTYrigv9mxEhuSrsGgj6yFxs0IgJIlGsL8QXIqlzRzQ_aem_W9Ej-pS88TcF0wAW6goR3w  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Something happens when you look up at a starry night sky. Most people have a change in their emotions, sense of well-being, and even their physical state. Dr. Christopher Barnes, a psychologist in the UK, shares some fascinating studies around the theory of nature connectedness, and we chat about the psychological changes that happen when someone spends time under the stars. I also take you on a tour to the family star cluster, the Pleiades. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/113 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 113: 2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/  Dr. Christopher Barnes:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-barnes-9ab2a62a/?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622175/awe-by-dacher-keltner/  Episode 104: The Subversive Power of the Night Self with Annabel Abbs-Streets: https://nightskytourist.com/104/  Episode 112: Winter Solstice 2024 Special: https://nightskytourist.com/112/  Episode 85: The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders Read the Stars with Duane Hamacher: https://nightskytourist.com/85/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Winter Solstice has been a significant time of year across cultures for thousands of year. In this episode, we check out some little-known archaeoastronomy sites across the United States that have alignments with the Winter Solstice, chat with Tacy Quinn and Lauren Theis about their 15 Weeks of Friluftsliv for some tips for getting the most enjoyment out of our winter stargazing experiences, and take a tour across the winter night sky to identify constellations and planets that you can see with the naked eye. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/112 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 112: 2025 Stargazing Guide (FREE download): https://nightskytourist.com/guide/  Cahokia Mounds: https://cahokiamounds.org/  Great Serpent Mound: https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/serpent-mound/  Angel Mounds: https://www.indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/angel-mounds/  First Americans Museum (FAM) Mound: https://famok.org/mound/  Hovenweep National Monument: https://www.nps.gov/hove/  Do you have suggestions for more U.S. sites to add to this list? You can email them to me at vicky@nightskytourist.com Episode 46- Hovenweep’s Archaeoastronomy & Dark Sky Treasures: https://nightskytourist.com/46/  Episode 3- Winter Solstice Special 2020: https://nightskytourist.com/3-2/  Episode 30- Winter Solstice from Alaska to Costa Rica: https://nightskytourist.com/30/  Episode 55- When March 25th was America’s New Year: https://nightskytourist.com/55/   Episode 84- Winter Solstice Special 2023: https://nightskytourist.com/84/  Friluftsliv Living Family (Tacy Quinn): https://www.instagram.com/friluftslivingfamily/  Raritan Headwaters (Lauren Theis): https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/  Gnome Matter the Weather on Substack: https://gnomemattertheweather.substack.com/ Becorns (acorn art Instagram account): https://www.instagram.com/davidmbird/  Maryinthefairyland (fairy houses Instagram account): https://www.instagram.com/maryinthefairyland/  Episode 93: Scandinavia’s Open-Air Living Mindset with Linda Åkeson McGurk: https://nightskytourist.com/93/  Open-Air Life by Linda Åkeson McGurk: https://rainorshinemamma.com/shop/open-air-life/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

There’s a lot of hype around meteor showers, but sometimes you can feel disappointed after waiting and seeing nothing. Ted Blank, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, shares with us about what we see when we see a shooting star and the best times of year to see them to get the most bang for our stargazing buck. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/111 for more information about this episode. GET $50 OFF A SKY VIEW TENT: Visit Sky View Tents (https://skyviewtents.com/) and use promo code “nightskytourist” when you place your order. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 111: Episode 1: Ted Blank, NASA Solar System Ambassador: https://nightskytourist.com/1-2/  Episode 25: Buying a Telescope with Ted Blank: https://nightskytourist.com/25/  Episode 71: What the Devil is an Occultaions with Ted Blank: https://nightskytourist.com/71/  Episode 91: Q&A with Ted Blank, NASA Solar System Ambassador: https://nightskytourist.com/91/  Episode 19: Chasing Meteorites with Geoff Notkin: https://nightskytourist.com/19-2/  Episode 20: Treasures from Space with Geoff Notkin: https://nightskytourist.com/20-2/  The Night the Stars Fell (1833): https://explorersweb.com/the-1833-meteor-shower/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Tumacácori National Historical Park in southern Arizona is an International Dark Sky Park where you can walk among blinking fireflies in the mesquite bosque. The park’s biologist, Tony Palmer, joins us to share about these magical insects, the other surprising bioluminescent species discovered during a Full Moon hike, and other nighttime events at the park, including Dia de los Muertos. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/110 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 110: Tumacácori National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/tuma/  Tumacácori on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TumacacoriNHP  Tumacácori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TumacacoriNPS  Tucson All Souls Procession: https://allsoulsprocession.org/  Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: https://xerces.org/  Firefly Atlas: https://www.fireflyatlas.org/  ARTICLE: iPhone Astrophotography Tips: https://nightskytourist.com/iphone/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Bettymaya Foott is an astrophotographer and the Engagement Associate for DarkSky International. In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation about a photo she took with dinosaur tracks, the Milky Way, and herself. She also shares tangible ways that major satellites and light pollution have impacted indigenous cultures.  Visit NightSkyTourist.com/109   for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 109: Bettymaya Foott: https://www.bettymayafoott.com/  Bettymaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettymaya.foott/  Bettymaya on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettymaya.foott  DarkSky International: https://darksky.org/  Dark Sky Int’l on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darksky_intl/  Dark Sky Int’l on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDAdarksky  4 Ways the Night Sky has Changed Me: https://nightskytourist.com/changed/  Episode 11: International Dark Sky Week with Bettymaya Foot: https://nightskytourist.com/changed/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a true hidden gem in Southern Utah. At over 10,000 feet, this International Dark Sky Park is perfect for undisturbed stargazing. Matthias Schmitt leads the night sky programs at Cedar Breaks and shares what makes this place so special. His passion for the stars spills into astronomy outreach and events, STEM education opportunities, and taking people on a journey to the stars.  Visit NightSkyTourist.com/108   for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 108: Cedar Breaks National Monument: https://www.nps.gov/cebr/  Cedar Breaks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CedarBreaksNPS  Cedar Breaks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarbreaksnps  Space Racers television show: https://www.spaceracers.com/  Fall Stargazing Guide: https://nightskytourist.com/fall-stargazing-guide-2/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW NIGHT SKY TOURIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSkyTourist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightskytourist/  SPREAD THE WORD Help us reach more people by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with others. GET TO KNOW US MORE Visit NightSkyTourist.com to read our great blog articles, check out our resource page, and sign up for our newsletters. Our monthly newsletter has content that is exclusive for subscribers. SHARE YOUR QUESTION We want to hear your questions. They could even become part of a future Q&A. Record your question in a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Email us at Hello@NightSkyTourist.com.