They're all different, of course, but they typically begin with an overview of the stars and constellations visible overhead, followed by a tour of the telescope itself and instruction on its proper use. Then, armed with this knowledge, we will use the telescope to peer deep into our galaxy and far beyond.  After your cosmic adventure you will receive an e-mail that recaps all that you saw during the night and offers links for further learning.

Public "star parties" offered by amateur astronomy groups are excellent, but they do not offer a truly personalized experience.  Here, however, you will have that experience because group sizes are limited. In addition to seeing many more celestial objects, your personal interaction with astronomer Dennis Mammana will help you understand not only what you're seeing, but how it works and why it's important to scientists.  It is this context that makes your experience unique. And with a professional astronomer as your guide, you'll surely come away with a totally new perspective on the universe and your place in it.

Will I be able to see the Milky Way?

That depends on the season and whether or not there's moonlight. The Milky Way Galaxy in which we live forms a circular band around us and, therefore, can be seen only about half of the time. Its brightest part appears during the summer and early autumn; its fainter half appears during the winter and early spring. At the other times of the year we cannot see the band of the Milky Way during early evening hours, but this means that, at those times, we can see other galaxies far beyond our own.

Does moonlight affect what we can see?

It can.  If you want to see the starry heavens at their very best, you should schedule your Sky Tour when the moon does not appear during early evening hours.  Note that the Sky Tour Schedule is color-coded to help you determine which are the darkest dates.  If you're in town only when the moon is in the sky you will still have a remarkable experience; we will see all we normally see, though with a reduced contrast.  If you've got questions about choosing the darkest nights, please e-mail Dennis directly.  Be aware that there are only about two or three weeks during each month with moonless conditions, so ideal program dates are limited.

Why do you limit the size of your audience?

Is there a minimum number required for your tours?

My children are younger than 9, but are really smart.  Why can't they come along?

It's not a matter of intelligence. First, the eyes of very young children are unable to focus well on faint objects at the telescope. Second, a dark environment near a delicate and finely-tuned optical instrument is not a safe place for toddlers or young children. Finally, they will be unable to comprehend all we see and talk about, possibly leading them to become bored, frustrated and, sometimes, disruptive to the rest of the group.

Can I drop off my children and pick them up at the end of the tour?

No, sorry. No unaccompanied minors are permitted, and all must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Because these programs are heavily booked, and meeting times and places can change with the season and weather conditions, reservations and advance payment are required. 

First you must confirm that a tour is available on the date(s) you're visiting—very simple instructions are provided at the top of the Tour Schedule page.

Once you've confirmed that space is available on the date(s) you're visiting, you can pay online with credit or debit card, or PayPal. All major credit and debit cards are accepted, and all transactions are secure via the PayPal system. You do not have to join PayPal. 

If there remains space, yes, but the cutoff time for same-day reservations is 12:00 noon (Pacific Time).  It's always best to make advance reservations if you can. Either way, e-mail (not text messaging) is the preferred method of communication.

I've never been to Borrego Springs before. Can you recommend a good place to stay?

A variety of resorts, motels and camping spots exist around the village of Borrego and in the State Park. You can find a list of them (as well as other activities, restaurants and more) at the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce.

How far are hotels from where we'll be meeting?

Borrego is a very small town, and all hotels and resorts are within only a few miles of our meeting place and observing site.

I don't want to stay overnight in Borrego; is that an option?

Of course, but keep in mind how far Borrego is from just about everywhere.  From San Diego it's a 2+ hour drive; from the LA area it can be 4+ hours. Your Night Sky Tour can end quite late, and the roads out of town are winding, dark and potentially dangerous at night. You would be much wiser to spend the night in town, and enjoy the views back the next day.  In fact, you might even prefer to stay a few days to explore the ruggedly beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

is there anything else to do in Borrego?

Absolutely, as long the night is available. Typical group sizes are 9-15 people; larger groups are not recommended, since the personal experience then becomes limited. If the only date you're interested in appears on the calendar with no color (white), please inquire if it's available for your special program.  One never knows!  Please see the Prices & Reservations page for Group Rate information.

If you've got larger group you might consider breaking it into two separate evening sessions so that everyone receives the best possible experience.  If that's not possible, we'll do our best to make it work.  Please e-mail Dennis directly to work out details, and see the Prices & Reservations page for Group Rate information.

Of course, as long as it's within reasonable driving distance of Borrego Springs and the calendar date is available. Events held elsewhere are charged at the Group Rate and do require travel expenses.

It's possible.  The Milky Way appears during at various times during the year, and only on moonless nights (green dates on the program schedule).  We can see it during the winter months (December, January and February), though this portion of the Milky Way is rather faint. The time to see it at its best is during the summer months (July and August) when it appears to arc high overhead and streams very far to the south.  During September and October it's still visible, but its southernmost section is beginning to vanish in the glow of lights from San Diego.

Absolutely not.  First of all, cameras record colors and details that the human eye cannot see. Secondly, many of those highly-saturated photos you may have seen online are over-processed by novices and give the Milky Way a ghastly and terribly unrealistic look.  The Milky Way appears as a quiet and subtle "cloud" that arcs across the sky and, to the eye, appears as a rather gray and mottled band of light.

May I bring my pet?

No, sorry.  Pets can attract hungry coyotes, and they can be vulnerable to snake bites and being stepped on in the dark. In addition, some of our guests may have allergies to pet hair.  Please arrange to leave your pet elsewhere during the few hours of our program.

May I smoke on the tour?

Please don't. Other guests (including your astronomer) may be negatively affected by smoke. If you choose to do so, you will be asked to move to another area downwind from our group, and you  will miss part of the program. 

Not at all; we will park our vehicles at the observing site and walk only a few feet on flat terrain to the telescope.  That's it!

Since we'll be out in the desert, there are no restrooms there (OK, there are thousands of them!). Please be prepared for that.

Do I get a refund if I choose to cancel?

Of course. but a refund can be issued ONLY if your cancellation is received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time two days before your scheduled sky tour date. (For example, a Saturday sky tour must be cancelled by 5 p.m. PT on Thursday; a Friday sky tour cancellation must be received by 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, and so on).  Because these programs can be in high demand, cancellations received after that date and time cannot be refunded.  Sorry. 

Can I reschedule instead of canceling?

Absolutely but, like a refund, your request must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time two days before your scheduled sky tour date.

What kind of weather can force a cancellation?

What happens if the conditions are bad the day of my Sky Tour?

Desert weather can change quickly and dramatically, but only rarely does it become so bad that we cannot observe. Dennis will monitor conditions that day and, if he determines that weather will force cancellation of the program, he will send a text message later in the day to the cell phone number you provided (as well as a detailed e-mail), and you may then reschedule or receive a full refund.

I'll be in town for a few days... if weather cancels the program can we do it the next night?

Yes, often the following night can be used as a backup for those staying in town over a few nights. If, on the other hand, you're leaving town, you can look over the program calendar to select another date that would be convenient for you.

Suppose I'm just driving into Borrego and then home that night?

If you choose to make the round-trip drive without staying in town (at least for one night) you risk a long drive for nothing if a late weather cancellation becomes necessary. Borrego is at least a couple hour drive from everywhere and this is never recommended, especially during the frequently-unstable desert weather patterns of summer and winter. Please don't ask Dennis to make a weather decision before you leave home so you can avoid the drive; it's often impossible to judge a night's observing conditions in advance.

Hey, this Sky Tour was great!  How can I let others know about my experience?

You can write a review of the program—and read others'—at TripAdvisor, Yelp.and  the Borrego Night Sky Tours Facebook Page.

Absolutely!  The evening sky changes gradually throughout the year, and there are different celestial sights available during each season. For example, if you want to see the Milky Way in all its glory, the summer months are best.

On occasion that might be possible, but Dennis' schedule is often booked more than a year in advance, and these events are frequently planned with local resorts or tour companies.  He is available for other special events and presentations, however.  Just contact him directly.

How can I keep up with other astronomical programs and sky events?

One way is to check out Dennis' website.  He writes a free e-mail newsletter, and you'll find even  more timely information—plus the ability to interact with him and other sky watchers—on his Facebook and Google+ pages, Twitter and his blog.  And, of course, don't forget his weekly syndicated column Stargazers, to which you can register to subscribe free via e-mail so you'll never miss another celestial event again!