Stars, planets, nebula and meteors are ever present in the universe. Unseen during the day for the most part, and in many parts of the world, unseen even at night. Or, perhaps you catch a glimpse of Saturn or Mars, and see the brightest stars in the sky. Then, you come to Tahoe on vacation or to spend a lifetime and suddenly the universe opens before you.
One of the many great miracles of the mountains is the relative lack of man-made light that obscures the wonders of the universe for many. In Tahoe, you can experience the vastness of the universe with the naked eye, even marveling at the edge of the Milky Way as it swoops across the sky. Tahoe is also a prime spot for peering deeper into the universe with the knowledgeable team at Tahoe Star Tours.
Led by star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, Tahoe Star Tours invites kids and adults to become star guides. Berendsen’s passion for astronomy, poetry, education and outreach are apparent during his tours, as is his mission to introduce the wonders of the universe to everyone.
I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a star tours at least six times throughout the years, and this summer, Berendsen invited me to bring the Tahoe Weekly staff out for a star tour at Northstar. The star tours involve far more than peering through telescopes. Berendsen begins each outing around the fire pits and while guests enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate, he draws you into the universe. With an interesting mixture of facts about the stars and some of the astronomers that helped unveil the mysteries of the universe, along with his moving poetry, Berendsen makes the universe accessible and easy to understand. His star storytelling is inviting and captivating; his passion is palpable.
Now that you’re rapt with newfound wonder, it’s time to move to the telescopes and peer deep into space. No matter how many times I’ve been on a star tour, I’m always taken by the vastness of the universe, the brilliant colors of the planets, the rings of Saturn, the crystal-clear craters of the moon. The team at Tahoe Star Tours overflows with knowledge as guests pepper them with questions on planets and meteors and the constellations. As the night deepened, we only became more enthralled with learning the secrets of the universe, not wanting to end our adventure. That’s why I go back to enjoy the star tours again and again, yearning to learn even more of the mysteries of the universe.
Tahoe Star Tours offers tours at Northstar through Labor Day weekend, and returns to Tahoe each winter to offer star tours at various locations. They are also available for private events.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tahoestartours.com.
Thursdays & Saturdays until Sept. 3
8:15-10:30 p.m. | $35 adults | $20 12 & younger
Dark Skies Cosmoarium | Northstar
Fridays until Sept. 2
8:15-10:30 p.m. | $35 adults | $20 12 & younger
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe | Northstar
Cinders
Out there the night sky
So many stars
At first glance
Only flickered light
But at closer look
An unaccountable vision
Seen by billions
From a planet
A cinder of stars
Floating
In a soup of desolation
Punished
By light years of isolation
Tony Berendsen
