Frequently Asked Questions

---

We offer tours of night sky (aka stargazing) from dark locations around Temecula wine country. 

Start times are normally within 30 minutes of sunset  and may be changed on the day of the tour due to weather and special night sky events.  Our normal viewing location is about 20 minutes outside of Temecula by Lake Skinner.  If you want a private tour we can adjust start times to meet your needs - just ask. 

Rough start times are as as follows:

Fall:  7:30pm

Winter:  6-6:30pm

Spring:  7:30pm

Summer:  8:30pm

Stargazing tours typically last one hour.

Yes, we offer private tours. Please contact us for more information.

Details will vary based off the date but may include The Milky Way, Planets, Galaxies, Star Clusters, Satellites, Shooting Stars (meteors), Apollo Landing sites on the moon and much more.  Normal tours are done in a group setting but private tour options are available. 

Whether you want to go stargazing on a moonlit night or not is a personal choice but here are some general guidelines to help you with a decision.  On a moonlit night you will get great views of the moon and any planets but the views of deeper sky objects such as nebula or galaxies will be dramatically reduced.  On a moonless night you will have great views of any planets and will certainly be able to see many galaxies and perhaps even the Milky Way.  

Seeing the moon in early phases (more than a week before the Full Moon) can be an eye opener through our visual telescope - you will see the peaks, valleys and seas (mare) on the surface in stunning detail.  As you get closer to the Full Moon the contrast starts to decrease as the overall brightness increases.  The Full moon can be fun to see once but if you compare to other periods of the lunar phase you will realize how much less detail you can actually see.  Beyond the moon the opportunity to see the Milky Way and galaxies is only possible when the moon is not visible in the sky.   Star clusters and planets are much less impacted by the lunar cycle and are normal targets on all tours. 

Not at public tours.

You are welcome to bring any non-alcoholic drink.  

Typically not at public tours.  

Provided the child has an appropriate paid admission - yes.  But be aware that the site will necessarily be kept very dark - no white lights are allowed.  We will do our best to make everyone as comfortable as possible and keep them engaged so everyone can have a pleasant time.  

Our experience requires walking up to 200 yards on dirt and grass and sitting and standing to look through the eyepiece of the telescope. We are not considered handicap accessible due to the nature of our experience.   But please contact us if you have specific questions or requests.  

If the weather does not cooperate on your scheduled night we will attempt to reschedule your experience. Back up dates are on a space available basis. We do not guarantee back up dates. If we cannot get you rescheduled we will provide a 100 percent refund.  

Reservations cancelled with 48 hours notice receive 100% refund.

Reservations cancelled within 48 hours of reservation receive no refund.