Reaching for the Stars: Celebrating AstroTours.org’s 200th Blog Post

If you told me back in 2018—when I wrote my very first entry, “Introduction to the series”—that we’d be here, at 200 blog posts, I would find it hard to believe. Yet here we are, continuing to chart new territory in astronomy, education, and cosmic storytelling!

A Quick Spin Through Our Celestial Journey

• Early Days (2018–2019)We kicked off by covering basics like “The Moon” and “Venus”, unraveling orbits and phases. Even then, I loved blending mythological tidbits—like how Venus, the “evening star,” is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty—with practical stargazing tips.

• Space Meets Humanity (2020–2021)We dove into deeper topics like “Black Lives Matter,” “COVID-19,” and the importance of uniting under one sky. We also tackled big-picture astrophysics in “Bang Crunch Bounce Rip” and “Heat Death”, reminding us that the fate of the universe is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

• Expanding Our Horizons (2022–2023)A personal highlight was achieving over 1000 five-star reviews—an honor fueling more tours, blog posts, and brand-new partnerships (“AstroTours.org now has over 1000 5 star reviews!”). We also gleaned new perspectives on how to protect the night sky in “Light Pollution” and “Eco-Friendly Stargazing”, renewing our commitment to Earth while marveling at the cosmos.

• Festival Fun, Awards & Meteor Mania (2024–2025)We brought telescopes to places like Winter Park, Breckenridge, and even beyond Colorado (“AstroTours.org's Stellar Expansion: Now Hosting Astronomy Tours in Arizona!”). We shared front-row seats to spectacular cosmic events, from the 2023 Perseids shower to the “Annular Solar Eclipse” of October. We also introduced new star guides—people like Aislynn, Mazzy, and Reese—whose passion makes our tours sparkle even brighter.

The Heart of It All

Behind each post—whether it’s comedic musings like “Diving Deep Inside Uranus” or sobering reflections like “Kessler Syndrome: When Space Junk Spirals out of Control”—is a commitment to share astronomy in a fun, inclusive way.

We’ve explored everything from x-mas comets to Mars landing highlights and from “No matter where you are now, where you call home is under the same set of stars” to “Our main reason for 4-star reviews and how to avoid them.” The tone jumps between serious and playful, but the goal never changes: to ignite wonder and connect us under the same cosmic canvas.

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next? If we’ve learned anything, it’s that the universe is boundless—just like our capacity for discovery. We’ll keep showing up with meteor-shower guides, planet-by-planet spotlights, deep dives into cosmic lore, plus behind-the-scenes tales from AstroTours events across the Front Range, Winter Park, and beyond. Maybe we’ll even do another countdown to an epic total solar eclipse or chase the next hidden comet named something whimsical.

Thank you—every stargazer, tourist, cosmic enthusiast, and blog reader—for supporting us through two hundred posts of cosmic curiosity. Your questions, feedback, and laughter drive us to keep exploring. Here’s to the next 200 posts—may our nights be clear, our telescopes steady, and our hearts ever filled with wonder.

Clear skies and happy stargazing!

—Luke

Wrapping Up an Incredible Season of Civic Center STARGAZE

Civic Center STARGAZE

What a season it has been! Our Civic Center STARGAZE series in the heart of Denver concluded with an unforgettable final night on April 9. We partnered with the Civic Center Conservancy to bring high-powered telescopes, expert astronomers, and a renewed sense of wonder to anyone who joined us in Civic Center Park—showing that city lights don’t have to dim your cosmic adventures.

1. A Stellar Success in Downtown Denver

From early-season evenings spent marveling at the Moon’s craters to the final session, Civic Center STARGAZE drew in families, first-time stargazers, and seasoned astronomy fans. Attendees got an up-close look at planets, nebulae, and star clusters, all while nestled among Denver’s iconic skyline.

• Free Programs for Federal Workers: We were honored to offer complimentary sessions to laid-off federal workers, ensuring that the magic of the cosmos was accessible to everyone who needed a little extra lift this season.

• Featured on 9NEWS: If you caught our 9NEWS coverage, you know just how exciting it was to see stargazing highlighted in Denver’s urban core. The cameras captured the awe and excitement on visitors’ faces as they peered into the night sky—right in the center of our bustling city.

2. Looking for Summer Stargazing? We’ve Got You Covered!

While the Civic Center STARGAZE series has wrapped for now, that doesn’t mean your chance to explore the heavens has ended. In fact, our regular summer programs will be running stronger than ever in these three fantastic locations:

1. Boulder

   • Ideal for those who want a quick escape from the city lights.

   • Easy access, minimal hiking, and a variety of evening tour options.

2. Breckenridge

   • Our darkest sky site for truly breathtaking Milky Way views.

   • Perfect for deeper cosmic exploration and observing faint star clusters.

3. Castle Rock

   • A balance of convenience and darker skies—excellent for families and groups.

   • Plenty of space to spread out and learn about celestial wonders from our expert astronomers.

Whether you’ve attended Civic Center STARGAZE or are just hearing about AstroTours for the first time, our summer programs are designed to give you the best possible look at the night sky. We provide powerful telescopes, binoculars, lasers, and the enthusiasm to guide you through every constellation and planetary sighting.

Springing into stargazing!

3. Civic Center STARGAZE Returning This Fall

Did you miss out this season or simply want more stargazing in downtown Denver? Keep your eyes peeled for our fall dates! We’re already working with the Civic Center Conservancy on future events, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay in the loop. We’ll share details as soon as new STARGAZE sessions are scheduled.

4. Book Your Next Stargazing Adventure

Ready to take your cosmic curiosity to the next level? Head over to our Booking Page to secure a spot at any of our Boulder, Breckenridge, or Castle Rock programs. Whether you’re searching for shooting stars with family, celebrating a special occasion, or looking to spark a new hobby, our tours are the perfect blend of education and enchantment.

Thank you to everyone who made Civic Center STARGAZE an overwhelming success—from those who braved chilly nights to the folks who popped by out of sheer curiosity. We can’t wait to share the stars with you again this fall in downtown Denver. Until then, join us in Boulder, Breckenridge, or Castle Rock for a front-row seat to the cosmos!

Clear skies,

Luke & The AstroTours Team

Discover Boulder’s Cosmic Side: The Pearl Street Planet Walk from AstroTours.org

Boulder’s brand-new Pearl Street Planet Walk—an immersive, scaled-down tour of the planets (and dwarf planets!) that’s about to make downtown Boulder feel like a launchpad to the stars.

What Is the Pearl Street Planet Walk?

The Pearl Street Planet Walk, created by AstroTours.org, places each planet (and the Sun) at specific downtown locations, giving you a cosmic sense of just how vast our Solar System really is.

The official launch date for the walk is April 15th, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out the route right now at AstroTours.org/walk.

How It Works

1. Start at the Sun – Appropriately located at Mountain Sun Brewing—because they use solar panels and local ingredients, mirroring the Sun’s role in fueling life on Earth.

2. Visit Each Planet Stop – Mercury at PosterScene, Venus at Stio, Earth at Liberty Puzzles, Mars at Into The Wind, and so on. Each location features fun facts about its planetary namesake.

3. Compare Distances & Sizes – You’ll find out just how tiny Earth is compared to the Sun, or how far out Pluto really is—all while grabbing a beer, trying on a new coat, or flying a kite along the way!

Tip: The inner planets are clustered close together (like in reality), making them an easy walk. As you head farther, you’ll appreciate why the outer planets require a more distant trek.

Highlights

• Cosmic Scale: Every few steps you take in Boulder equals a jaw-dropping swath of space.

• Local Character: Each planet pairs perfectly with a local business, reflecting unique aspects of that planet’s personality.

  • Mars at Into The Wind celebrates flight in thin air—just like NASA’s helicopter on the Red Planet.

  • Saturn at Trident Booksellers & Cafe invites you to slow down, symbolizing the planet’s leisurely 29-year orbit around the Sun.

• Bonus Stops & Views: Enjoy a rooftop view at the nearby parking garage (a stand-in for Venus’s mountainous “coat”), or keep walking to see Boulder’s iconic Courthouse “Asteroid Belt.”

Beyond the Planets

Finished your cosmic journey? Don’t miss other Boulder gems like the Dushanbe Teahouse, the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, or a picturesque drive to Boulder Falls. You can also indulge in more spacey fun with local stargazing events hosted by AstroTours.

See the Real Deal

If virtual planets aren’t enough, AstroTours.org regularly hosts telescope nights where you can view the actual planets in the night sky. From Jupiter’s swirling cloud bands to Saturn’s shimmering rings, it’s the perfect way to cap off your Pearl Street Planet Walk experience.

When & Where to Go

• Launch Date: April 15th and it will be up as long as our partners are willing even after they might take down the posters but you can still use the digital guide

• Location: Pearl Street, Boulder

• Preview It Now: Eager to start exploring? The route is already live, and you can get an early peek at AstroTours.org/walk.

Slip on your walking shoes—or hop on a bike—and prepare for a Solar System adventure like no other.

Ready to Blast Off?Check out the official map and full digital guide at AstroTours.org/walk, then mark your calendar for April 15th to join the official launch of the Pearl Street Planet Walk! Safe travels, space adventurers!