This summer, Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort will again host a series of Tahoe Star Tours, led by star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, president of the Northern Nevada Science Coalition. A unique experience offering a breathtaking view into the heavens, Tahoe Star Tours will for the eighth season, offer the premiere star tours experience in Lake Tahoe and an educational evening for guests of all ages. And, new this summer, four of the 18 tour dates will include performances by Reno-based string quartet, Accent Nevada.
Tahoe Star Tours is a very unique experience in the Sierra. “We host visitors from all over the world, many live in large metropolitan areas that are severely light polluted. Many have never seen the Milky Way or even understand what they are seeing when they look out at the stars,” said Berendsen. “People coming to Northstar® Resort in the summer to participate in Tahoe Star Tours learn to open their imaginations and look into space with curiosity.”
Every tour is as different as the sky above, but all include a poetry reading, a fun space quiz with prizes, a laser tour of the stars and constellations, and a telescopic viewing with equipment provided by Celestron, the world’s leading telescope maker. Tours are highly interactive and allow guests to have a hands-on experience at amateur astronomy.
Tahoe Star Tours take place from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and meet at the top of the Highlands Gondola at the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. From there, guests are escorted to the viewing location on the deck of the Big Springs Day Lodge, located mid-mountain at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. Proper walking footwear is recommended.
Summer 2010 Tahoe Star Tour Schedule
June
11 & 12 – Mars Meets It’s Rival
18 – Saturn’s Moon
19 – Saturn’s Moon (performance by Accent Nevada)
July
2 & 3 – War & Love Meet in the Sky
9 & 10 – Hercules on High
16 – Crescent Moon on the Rise
17 – Crescent Moon on the Rise (performance by Accent Nevada)
30 – Dark Sky Wonders
August
1 – Dark Sky Wonders
13 – The Milky Way & Perseid Meteor Shower
14 – The Milky Way & Perseid Meteor Shower
September
3 & 4 – Jupiter
10 – Tribute to Carl Sagan
11 – Tribute to Carl Sagan
The cost to participate is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Tours that include performances by Accent Nevada are $75 for adults, $50 for ages 18 and under and also include hot cocoa, coffee, and the chance to win a pair of binoculars. All tours include a commemorative flashlight. For more information or reservations, visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.