To get the latest news on upcoming events, please subscribe to the Night Sky Tourist newsletter. And when you subscribe, you’ll get our FREE 2026 Stargazing Guide.
Only twice a year does sunlight come into perfect balance at the equinoxes. Join Vicky Derksen for an early morning desert hike to welcome the Fall Equinox sunrise. Not as spectating outsiders, but as creatures of the desert ourselves. We'll take time to notice: the changing temperature and humidity, the scents, the sounds, and the […]
This hike is equal parts nature observation, stargazing, and cultural perspectives on the night sky. We will trace the Summer Triangle in the stars and learn how to use it to find the Milky Way, discover the cast of characters, and learn their stories. Our trail is just over one mile round-trip on uneven desert […]
Join Vicky Derksen for an intimate evening as we explore the November Cross-Quarter Day- the astronomical midpoint between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice - through the unique lens of the Sonoran Desert. We’ll share a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and fire-cooked elements in celebration of the season. Through campfire storytelling, we’ll journey across […]
Take a break from holiday festivities and shopping madness to commune with nature and the stars in the desert. We begin at sunset to witness the transition of twilight, a perfect time for Blue Hour smartphone photography, capturing the deep, cool-toned twilight sky in the 20-30 minutes after sunset. Once the stars come out, you'll […]
This hike is equal parts nature observation, stargazing, and cultural perspectives on the night sky. This hike features the cultural stories of the circumpolar constellations. We'll share stories from the Diné (Navajo), the Sámi (reindeer herders), and Greek cultures. Our trail is just over one mile round-trip on uneven desert terrain with rocks and natural […]
This hike is equal parts nature observation, stargazing, and cultural perspectives on the night sky. We will trace the Greek stories of Andromeda and Perseus in the constellations, bringing the stars to life through an entire cast of characters. Our trail is just over one mile round-trip on uneven desert terrain with rocks and natural […]
Catch the year's most reliable meteor shower at the peak of the Geminids! Join Night Sky Tourist's Vicky Derksen for cultural perspectives on meteor showers and insights about the Geminids themselves. These medium-speed meteors create beautiful long trails, and with the moon rising after midnight, conditions are perfect for meteor watching. You'll also touch a […]
The shortest day of the year has been one of the most important days throughout human history. Join Vicky Derksen for an early morning desert hike to welcome the Winter Solstice sunrise. Not as spectating outsiders, but as creatures of the desert ourselves. We'll take time to notice: the changing temperature and humidity, the scents, […]