ASTRONOMICAL ADVENTURES, where space and geologic times meet
for the best views of the heavens and Earth, is pleased to
invite you to join us in exploring the Earth as a planet and examining the
contents and depths of the Universe with large telescopes. Capacity is
limited to allow optimum small group dynamics and individual attention in
our multi-day Discovery Programs.
Selected from over 200 potential areas nationwide, we have found our location in Northern Arizona to be the ideal site for our adventures. While Arizona enjoys more sunny days and starry nights than any other state in the country, the Flagstaff vicinity offers a spectacular combination of geologic diversity and astronomical viewing conditions and significance, with less light pollution and more moderate temperatures than Kitt Peak and the surrounding Tucson area (average day-time temperatures range from the mid-50s in early spring and late fall, to the mid-80s at summer's peak). The Colorado Plateau arguably contains the most spectacular and diverse geology on the face of the Earth, with representations of nearly every significant structure and process to be found in the Solar System. Our high desert viewing site is located in the middle of a 90,000 acre ranch (twice the size of Washington D.C.!) 6300 feet above sea level and is among the darkest, most transparent and frequently clear to be found this side of orbit. Lowell Observatory, US Naval Observatory, National Undergraduate Research Observatory, USGS Perkins Telescope, and the 1/4 mile diameter Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) all selected this area for similar reasons. The city of Flagstaff preserves the surrounding dark skies with strict low lighting ordinances due to the proximity of these major observatories, while offering many amenities and activities as a major tourist gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Having been an amateur astronomer for nearly 40 years, 1995 President of the Von Braun Astronomical Society, a college astronomy instructor for 13 semesters, an observatory and planetarium director for five years, a retired F-14 Tomcat Naval Aviator, and a Program Manager at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (home of U.S. Space Camp) for two years, I have attempted to combine my passions and expertise to create the most exciting educational and recreational adventure vacation experience of its kind anywhere in the country, featuring the largest telescopes, darkest skies, most extensive day activities, comfortable ranch accommodations, and reasonable rates. I will facilitate developing the "big picture" of the Earth as a planet and its place in the Universe through discussions of the objects and processes under study. No background in astronomy or geology are required and presentations will normally not exceed an introductory college level, the discussions themselves directly reflecting your interests, requests, and education.
Averaging over 300 clear nights a year, you will have ample opportunity to enjoy a naked eye sky with the Zodiacal Light stretching 90 degrees, the Gegenschein visible all night, a splendidly detailed Milky Way spanning the sky, and more stars than you can shake a stick at as meteors punctuate your thoughts. You will use our 36", 30", 14.5", 13.1" reflecting telescopes, 4" solar and planetary telescopes, 7x35, 10x50 and 16x80 binoculars to locate and behold breathtaking views of deep sky objects. Stare at spiral arms in galaxies, color in nebulae, central stars in planetary nebulae, galaxies hundreds of millions of light years away, clusters and nebulae in other galaxies, and much more. Use our reference library to pre-plan your observing sessions and to research objects under study. In the end, you will have viewed virtually every observable type of object in space, from the spectacular "showcase" wonders, to the dim denizens of deep space.
During the day you'll climb a volcano, study tectonics at an active volcanic field, walk on lava flows at Sunset Crater, discuss more geologic history than is visible anywhere else on Earth at the Grand Canyon, explore Oak Creek Canyon and the Red Rock Country of Sedona, and tour the best preserved large meteorite impact crater on Earth at Meteor Crater, following in the footsteps of the Apollo astronauts as they prepared for their lunar missions. You'll visit Lowell Observatory and view the famous 24" Clark refractor used by Lowell for his historic views of Mars. The selected destinations represent the majority of geologic processes, structures and rock types found on Earth and the rest of the terrestrial planets, as well as being the most visited for their pure beauty and grandeur. Additional day activities can include solar viewing in both white light and hydrogen-alpha, and visits to the Museum of Astrogeology, Astronaut Hall of Fame, the US Geological Survey's center for Astrogeology, and the Museum of Northern Arizona, which offers an interesting geology and fossil display in addition to an extensive Native American Indian display. Time for shopping and just plain relaxin' will fill the rest of your time.
We offer four slightly different multi-day programs nearly year-round, based on the phase of the Moon. New moon sessions are tailored for the deep sky enthusiast with the stamina to stay up all night. Wake-up is some time after the "crack of noon", resulting in shortened day activities. First quarter moon sessions emphasize astrogeology and at least two late night sessions of deep sky viewing after moonset. These sessions will also be scheduled for educators with the objective of using the experiences of the week to examine innovative hands-on approaches to science education in the classroom (see below for additional Educator Program details). Wake-up is somewhat earlier and day activities more extensive. Full moon sessions concentrate on astrogeology , with early wake-up and the most extensive day activities. Hikes into the Grand Canyon, and expeditions to additional destinations may also be possible, depending on customer preferences. These sessions include telescopic observations of the moon, planets, and other bright objects. Some deep sky viewing will also be conducted. Third quarter moon sessions will be the ideal program for families and for those that do not wish to stay up all night (see below for additional information on youth participation). Deep sky viewing will be conducted until moonrise and day activities will be extensive with a morning start.
Separate day and night programs are available, as are programs of more or less than five days. The itinerary of the multi-day programs will dictate the schedule for daily destinations. Weather and customer customized rescheduling possibilities do not allow us to post a definite schedule for a given day in advance. Contact us prior to your visit to obtain more information on scheduling a day tour for you. Greater flexibility is available for single night use, but capacity is very limited.
Our observatory is at the Flying M Ranch, a 90,000 acre working cattle ranch located 18 miles down a dirt road south of I-40 just west of Meteor Crater in the weather shadow created by the mountains to the west, an area that receives only about 5-8 inches of rain annually.
Prices encompass everything described above, including all geologic
and sky tours, equipment, and admission fees. To hold basic costs down
and to allow maximum flexibility for customer preferences, meals and
lodging are not included. Meals will generally be available at customer
expense throughout the day at various restaurants, as well as stocking up
for the camp. Lodging options range from comfortable rustic guest
accommodations on the ranch, camping, either on public lands at no cost
near the observing site or at nearby RV parks/campgrounds, to staying the
hotel/motel of your choice in Flagstaff (about $20 to over $100 per night,
depending on season and selection, advance reservations normally required.
We are happy to assist you in making any arrangements you choose. Please
contact us for additional information and visit our web links."
ASTRONOMICAL ADVENTURES L.L.C. - E-Mail us!
2532 N. Fourth Street Suite 200, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 (602) 485-4367
| Images Of Astronomical Adventures |
| Educator Program |
| Youth Participation |
| Guest Impressions |
| Review - Astronomy Magazine 3/01 |
| Review - Via Stellaris 9/99 |
| Review - AZ Tourist News 3/00 |
| Asteroid citation for Bob Woolley |
| Planning schedule and prices for 2008 |
| Helpful/Interesting Links |