Frequently Asked Questions
Below you can skim through a list of our most commonly-asked questions that cannot be easily answered elsewhere on our website. Additionally you are welcome to use the contact form immediately below to submit your a question. We will not only answer it ASAP, but we also may paraphrase it and add to the list below if seems like it might help others.
Which experience is better, Small Private or Public Telescope tours?
Our private observatory does house the largest of our BIG telescopes, the awesome TPV, but our public observatory has the rest of our BIG telescopes and the best audio-visual equipment.
Some worry that differing levels of astronomy literacy might cause them to slow down or be slowed down by the rest of a public tour. Even in the extreme this is unlikely. If you are a PhD Astrophysicist we are going to show you the original pink-brown combo of photons from Pluto, and other things you've only seen as data or pictures, just as well in either format. Dumb questions? Of course they exist! But you can't utter one at the Dark Ranger Observatory, because we answer every questions as if it were the smartest one asked each night.
It depends on how specific your astronomy needs are. Private tours are designed to cater to astrophotographers, telescope-test-drivers, and/or astronomy buffs seeking the maximum intellectual/educational immersion experience. Nevertheless some simply prefer to privately celebrate the unique experience of our amazing night sky.
In contrast, our goal with public tours is to make these as social of gatherings as possible. To that end we strive for universal appeal by striking a balance between education and entertainment.
Some worry that differing levels of astronomy literacy might cause them to slow down or be slowed down by the rest of a public tour. Even in the extreme this is unlikely. If you are a PhD Astrophysicist we are going to show you the original pink-brown combo of photons from Pluto, and other things you've only seen as data or pictures, just as well in either format. Dumb questions? Of course they exist! But you can't utter one at the Dark Ranger Observatory, because we answer every questions as if it were the smartest one asked each night.
It depends on how specific your astronomy needs are. Private tours are designed to cater to astrophotographers, telescope-test-drivers, and/or astronomy buffs seeking the maximum intellectual/educational immersion experience. Nevertheless some simply prefer to privately celebrate the unique experience of our amazing night sky.
In contrast, our goal with public tours is to make these as social of gatherings as possible. To that end we strive for universal appeal by striking a balance between education and entertainment.
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Yeah, but which do the Dark Rangers prefer?
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Thanks for asking! Though we are the most knowledgeable astronomers and telescope techs you can hire for a night, we are first and foremost entertainers. Entertainers always prefer a 'big room.' So, if you want to see us at our best, because WE are having the most fun, book a public telescope tour.
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Wait! So Large Private Telescope Tours would be the best of both worlds?
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Yes!
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Are the $10 Zero Gravity Lounge Chairs add-on worth it?
It depends. On full Moon nights, probably not? On moonless nights (5 days past the full to 6 days before the full Moon) they DEFINITELY are! Regardless of how much of the Milky Way you can see on any given night, the Zero Gravity Loungers are always more comfortable. By comparison our regular and free amphitheater chairs are comfortable enough for watching the 30 to 45-min multimedia presentation component of the evening, however they are uncomfortable for stargazing -- no neck support. Because we setup 1 telescope per 5-7 guests, there's so little "down time" that you have to make a conscious decision to take a break from the telescopes so you can spend quality stargazing time in your Zero Gravity chair. Parents like to use their chairs as a cozy place where their kids can sleep wrapped up in blanket so that they the adults, can have some quality time at the telescopes as a couple.
Is your observatory wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our accessible parking gets mobility impaired guests within 150 feet (50m) of everything: our telescopes, amphitheater/auditorium, and accessible portapotty.
Are pets allowed at the Dark Ranger Observatory?
To put it simply, probably not. Your pet(s) are ONLY welcome to remain in your car, in our parking lot (after having a brief bio-break in the brushy outskirts of our parking lot). They are not allowed at the facility itself.
Unless your pet:
a) is a Service Animal and specifically dog or a miniature horse functioning in accordance with ADA rules and guidelines.
b) is an obviously well trained and well behaved 'emotional support animal.' NOTE: this class of animal, aka "bullshit service animal" has no protection under the law. Nevertheless they will be welcomed providing the animal:
- stays on a < 2-meter leash. Longer leashes don't express freedom, but admit to a lack of control.
- is a "purse dogs" AND also on a leash. If a purse isn't too confining, neither is a 6-foot or shorter leash.
- is not a negative or positive distraction. Our observatory's purpose is astronomy, not to be a petting zoo.
- has a compliant handler who will not need to be told twice when it's time to take the pet back to the car.
c) is part of a private tour who have alerted us that you will be bringing your well-behaved dog/cat. With prior approval we might also be interested in meeting your more exotic animal(s) as long as your horse, falcon, parrot, ferret, otter, bear, bison, rhino, orangutan, camel named Clyde, etc. is unlikely to 'mark', climb on, or rub-up-against our telescopes. And because nobody wants your pet or be harmed or eaten by our wild coyotes, owls, or badgers, leashes/leads are still required. Clyde can have 7-ft long one, because he is very tall.
Otherwise your pet(s) are ONLY welcome to remain in your car, in our parking lot (after having a brief bio-break in the brushy outskirts of our parking lot). True, we wish to be courteous to our other paying guests who may have unknown but potential allergies or phobias. But mainly, we strive to provide the ultimate Earth-based astronomy experience. For most this will be their first premium telescope and night sky experience. For some it might even be a transformational moment. Obviously we don't want anything like barking dogs or whistling parrots; owners calling into the darkness after indifferent cats, leashes wrapped around human and/or telescope legs, and countless other distraction and detraction that you might not be able to imagine, but we nevertheless have experienced. Not wanting to risk such disruptions is the main reason why we discourage your pet(s), and our own two Great Danes from being in the amphitheater or among the telescopes.
Our two Great Danes have the run of the place, because they help with security and literally keep the coyotes at bay. They are trained to patrol the perimeter. So, unless you specifically request to meet them and you are willing to hang around while we are closing for the night, it's very unlikely you will see or even hear them when the observatory is "in show."
Unless your pet:
a) is a Service Animal and specifically dog or a miniature horse functioning in accordance with ADA rules and guidelines.
b) is an obviously well trained and well behaved 'emotional support animal.' NOTE: this class of animal, aka "bullshit service animal" has no protection under the law. Nevertheless they will be welcomed providing the animal:
- stays on a < 2-meter leash. Longer leashes don't express freedom, but admit to a lack of control.
- is a "purse dogs" AND also on a leash. If a purse isn't too confining, neither is a 6-foot or shorter leash.
- is not a negative or positive distraction. Our observatory's purpose is astronomy, not to be a petting zoo.
- has a compliant handler who will not need to be told twice when it's time to take the pet back to the car.
c) is part of a private tour who have alerted us that you will be bringing your well-behaved dog/cat. With prior approval we might also be interested in meeting your more exotic animal(s) as long as your horse, falcon, parrot, ferret, otter, bear, bison, rhino, orangutan, camel named Clyde, etc. is unlikely to 'mark', climb on, or rub-up-against our telescopes. And because nobody wants your pet or be harmed or eaten by our wild coyotes, owls, or badgers, leashes/leads are still required. Clyde can have 7-ft long one, because he is very tall.
Otherwise your pet(s) are ONLY welcome to remain in your car, in our parking lot (after having a brief bio-break in the brushy outskirts of our parking lot). True, we wish to be courteous to our other paying guests who may have unknown but potential allergies or phobias. But mainly, we strive to provide the ultimate Earth-based astronomy experience. For most this will be their first premium telescope and night sky experience. For some it might even be a transformational moment. Obviously we don't want anything like barking dogs or whistling parrots; owners calling into the darkness after indifferent cats, leashes wrapped around human and/or telescope legs, and countless other distraction and detraction that you might not be able to imagine, but we nevertheless have experienced. Not wanting to risk such disruptions is the main reason why we discourage your pet(s), and our own two Great Danes from being in the amphitheater or among the telescopes.
Our two Great Danes have the run of the place, because they help with security and literally keep the coyotes at bay. They are trained to patrol the perimeter. So, unless you specifically request to meet them and you are willing to hang around while we are closing for the night, it's very unlikely you will see or even hear them when the observatory is "in show."
Is it true that you offer free hot drinks every night?
Yes. We offer, help-yourself, hot-chocolate, cider, coffee, and what we Americans call "tea." Cold water is also available. For obvious reasons, neither children nor adults are allowed to have beverages in the immediate vicinity of the telescopes
Refills are also free while hot water lasts, but you should reuse the same cup. So as to encourage a conservation ethic, extra cups cost $10,000 and full payment must be made in cash.
Refills are also free while hot water lasts, but you should reuse the same cup. So as to encourage a conservation ethic, extra cups cost $10,000 and full payment must be made in cash.
Is food available at the Dark Ranger Observatory?
No. Indeed you are only allowed to consume your own food in your car, in our parking lot. In addition to protecting our telescopes from salty, sticky, or greasy hands, we have to keep the facility food-free. Because our observatory is located on the prairie-forest habitat interface, we can't risk crumbs or even food-odors attracting wild animals .
Is smoking allowed at the Dark Ranger Observatory?
Absolutely not! All smoking is restricted to our parking lot. Even when it can be confirmed that smoking may not offend a single guest (say in the example of a private tour) we still prohibit it anywhere near our telescopes. Smoke readily damage the sensitive optics beyond the ability of even a professional cleaning to restore.
Can we consume alcohol at the Dark Ranger Observatory?
No, at this time we do not have even have a beer/wine liquor license. This means we do not serve alcohol AND you cannot even BYOB of your own alcohol on the premises including our parking lot, even if it is well disguised and discretely consumed. It is not widely known, but easy to confirm, that Utah breweries, wineries, and even a legal distillery exist and produce truly excellent alcoholic products (we are happy to recommend our favorites). Ironically, the consumption of those products is strictly regulated everywhere in Utah - even on private property. Sorry to disappoint, but "we" Utahans aren't apparently as 'freedom-loving' as we pretend.
Exception: With prior approval and when consistent with Utah law pertaining to private events, those who book a private tour may supply their own alcohol at our private observatory, for a private event where there is an established guest list. Examples might include a business party, or a wedding.
Exception: With prior approval and when consistent with Utah law pertaining to private events, those who book a private tour may supply their own alcohol at our private observatory, for a private event where there is an established guest list. Examples might include a business party, or a wedding.
Wait! You do weddings? Can we be married by a Dark Ranger?
Yes! We are not only happy to host receptions, Kevin "The Dark Ranger" Poe is licensed to officiate weddings in the State of Utah, and can be contracted to perform an inspirational, creative, but secular (non-religious) ceremony. Email or call for more information.
Why is your competition so much more expensive?
Competition? The only astronomy entity in North America that offers a stargazing experience of equal quality to ours is the University of Texas's McDonald Observatory. Only they have as dark of sky and as large a collection of BIG publicly accessible telescopes. True their prices for private tours are much more expensive, but their prices for public tours are ACTUALLY less expensive because they welcome 100s of guests per night. We charge more so that we can:
a) cap attendance at 42
b) maintain our unprecedented 1 : 7, telescope : guest ratio,
and c) pay our astronomers a living wage rather than relying on volunteers or student interns.
There are many other entities who offer stargazing with telescopes (and most are more expensive), but either their telescope(s) get setup in dark parking lots or less traveled road shoulders (and smaller so as to remain portable). Those that operate an actual observatory, are frequently located in suburban or rural locations where light pollution significantly detracts. To the best of our knowledge, only we and the McDonald Observatory offer the best of both worlds.
The other reason we don't like the term "competition" is because we are excited to see the recent rise in astronomy tourism. It can only lead to an increase in science literacy and a heightened awareness to the evils of light pollution. In particular we endorse the efforts of the few National Parks who actually offer stargazing programs, instead of just bragging about their dark-sky park designations. They prioritize that two part "mission" to the extent that we do. Besides, we the Dark Rangers, trained many of those park rangers, so of course we are going to promote their "free" (after the purchase of a park entrance fee) presentations.
a) cap attendance at 42
b) maintain our unprecedented 1 : 7, telescope : guest ratio,
and c) pay our astronomers a living wage rather than relying on volunteers or student interns.
There are many other entities who offer stargazing with telescopes (and most are more expensive), but either their telescope(s) get setup in dark parking lots or less traveled road shoulders (and smaller so as to remain portable). Those that operate an actual observatory, are frequently located in suburban or rural locations where light pollution significantly detracts. To the best of our knowledge, only we and the McDonald Observatory offer the best of both worlds.
The other reason we don't like the term "competition" is because we are excited to see the recent rise in astronomy tourism. It can only lead to an increase in science literacy and a heightened awareness to the evils of light pollution. In particular we endorse the efforts of the few National Parks who actually offer stargazing programs, instead of just bragging about their dark-sky park designations. They prioritize that two part "mission" to the extent that we do. Besides, we the Dark Rangers, trained many of those park rangers, so of course we are going to promote their "free" (after the purchase of a park entrance fee) presentations.
Compare what you do, to the stargazing Bryce Canyon National Park offers?
To put it simply, we merely offer the deluxe version of a similar experience. They have the same near-pristine dark sky, only employ staff with excellent customer service skills, and champion science and night sky preservation the way we do. Where we differ, is that our telescopes are larger. Our amphitheater and telescopes are only 42 feet (13m) apart so there's no commute with limited parking on either end, and there no strange 60-minute delay between the presentation and telescope viewing.
They charge $35/car load for a wide variety of outdoor experiences including stargazing. For a wide variety of prices ($35/adult and deep discounts for kids) we focus on just the Universe. Park Rangers are hired and trained to be multi-capable individuals conversant on a wide variety of topics. Dark Ranger specialize in all things night-sky related and have mastery over telescope operation, the way most people have perfected, thru repetition, tying their shoes. The biggest difference is because Bryce Canyon doesn't cap attendance, they often get lines 50 people deep per telescopes, where we promise a 1:7 telescope per guest ratio. Hence our motto "More time viewing, less time queueing."
To be clear many of us Dark Ranger perfected our skills in the service of Bryce Canyon (as paid staff and volunteers). To put it another way they are our so-called 'origin story.' Therefore are eager to help them keep their telescopes operational and when we are sold out, we unequivocally direct our overflow to them. They reciprocate by sending guests to us (though you might have to specifically ask) on their off nights, because while we are open nightly, they can only do astronomy 2-3 nights per week.
They charge $35/car load for a wide variety of outdoor experiences including stargazing. For a wide variety of prices ($35/adult and deep discounts for kids) we focus on just the Universe. Park Rangers are hired and trained to be multi-capable individuals conversant on a wide variety of topics. Dark Ranger specialize in all things night-sky related and have mastery over telescope operation, the way most people have perfected, thru repetition, tying their shoes. The biggest difference is because Bryce Canyon doesn't cap attendance, they often get lines 50 people deep per telescopes, where we promise a 1:7 telescope per guest ratio. Hence our motto "More time viewing, less time queueing."
To be clear many of us Dark Ranger perfected our skills in the service of Bryce Canyon (as paid staff and volunteers). To put it another way they are our so-called 'origin story.' Therefore are eager to help them keep their telescopes operational and when we are sold out, we unequivocally direct our overflow to them. They reciprocate by sending guests to us (though you might have to specifically ask) on their off nights, because while we are open nightly, they can only do astronomy 2-3 nights per week.
Is it true that child-eyes can't focus well enough to use telescopes?
No! Indeed exactly opposite is true. Humans have the best night-vision at age 11-12 because only they can dilate their pupils to a maximum of 10mm. Furthermore, younger eyes have a greater range of focus (due to more flexible lenses) so they seldom need to adjust a telescope's focus to match their vision. As long as a child has had a few minutes of practice looking through a tube with one eye closed (or manually held closed), they will need less time at an eyepiece than adults to get the best possible view.
We can only speculate that some of our so-called competition created this myth to excuse themselves from the responsibility of hiring staff who are (or training them to become) good with kids. Please note our family-friendly pricing. Hopefully that says everything else we cannot politely articulate here.
We can only speculate that some of our so-called competition created this myth to excuse themselves from the responsibility of hiring staff who are (or training them to become) good with kids. Please note our family-friendly pricing. Hopefully that says everything else we cannot politely articulate here.
Why don't you offer Senior or Military discounts?
We respect our elders. From the beginning of time astronomy has relied on the wise passing on knowledge to the young. We support our troops beyond bumper-stickers and "thank you for you service." Indeed we offer free (+ our travel expenses) astral navigation workshops that are no longer being taught in the U.S. Military but should -- in an era where few can read a map, a reliance on something so vulnerable as GPS, is foolish and a serious combat readiness issue.
Regardless , our discounts are determined based on our estimation of ability to pay, and designed to "pay forward" the most science literacy / light pollution awareness per discount dollar. We know that all young families (including those in the military) struggle to make ends meet. We also think that it is their children and not their grandparents, who are more likely to become the astronauts, engineers, and planetologist who will takes humanity to Mars and Venus while keeping Earth as livable as possible.
Regardless , our discounts are determined based on our estimation of ability to pay, and designed to "pay forward" the most science literacy / light pollution awareness per discount dollar. We know that all young families (including those in the military) struggle to make ends meet. We also think that it is their children and not their grandparents, who are more likely to become the astronauts, engineers, and planetologist who will takes humanity to Mars and Venus while keeping Earth as livable as possible.
Lots of places brag about their dark sky. Can you prove yours is darkest?
No. Because several places on Earth are a little darker. In these 5 slightly darker locations, the human eye can detect 8,000 stars over the course of a clear Moonless night include:
- Antarctica (in the winter when it's actually dark)
- Remotest locations in the Sahara (yeah, but it's a dry heat)
- The Australian Outback (when it's not on fire)
- Atacama Desert in Chile (if you can breath at 15,000 ft above sea level)
- Summit of Hawaii's Mauna Kea (providing the clouds roll in to cover-up light pollution of the city of Hilo)
However, thanks to exhaustive and peer-reviewed research of the NPS "Night Sky Team" you too, can prove that the 4 darkest places in North America, that are still accessible by a paved road, all occur in Southern Utah. In these locations you can see 7,500 stars over the course of a dark night.
#1 Hovenweep National Monument
#2 Natural Bridges National Monument
#3 Capitol Reef National Park
#4 Bryce Canyon National Park (as nightly showcased at the Dark Ranger Observatory)
- Antarctica (in the winter when it's actually dark)
- Remotest locations in the Sahara (yeah, but it's a dry heat)
- The Australian Outback (when it's not on fire)
- Atacama Desert in Chile (if you can breath at 15,000 ft above sea level)
- Summit of Hawaii's Mauna Kea (providing the clouds roll in to cover-up light pollution of the city of Hilo)
However, thanks to exhaustive and peer-reviewed research of the NPS "Night Sky Team" you too, can prove that the 4 darkest places in North America, that are still accessible by a paved road, all occur in Southern Utah. In these locations you can see 7,500 stars over the course of a dark night.
#1 Hovenweep National Monument
#2 Natural Bridges National Monument
#3 Capitol Reef National Park
#4 Bryce Canyon National Park (as nightly showcased at the Dark Ranger Observatory)
