Tony Berendsen explains astronomical concepts to groups during the Tahoe Star Tours he leads. // all images courtesy Tahoe Star Tours
If you're looking for a place to observe in Utah, Tahoe Star Tours provides memorable stargazing experiences in the western United States. Operating out of the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Resort, star guide Tony Berendsen’s Star Tours include a science talk, a quiz (with prizes), and poetry around the fire pits of the Lodge at Big Springs. Following this, Ryan Berendsen takes guests on a laser tour of the sky and provides views through Celestron telescopes.
During “Space Jam Star Tours,” Tony teams with interesting guests in an impromptu talk about interesting astronomy topics. For example, during August the guest is Mike Simmons, president of Astronomers Without Borders. Closing out the season in mid-September the team will present two “Tribute to Carl Sagan” evenings. One features Emily Lakdawalla, senior editor of the Planetary Society, and the second features Melodi Rodrigue, an astrophysicist from the University of Nevada.
A future amateur astronomer has his first look at a celestial wonder during the observing portion of a Tahoe Star Tour.
A pair of “Concert Star Tours” features the string quartet Accent, which joins Tony in the Butterfly Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton for an indoor concert. Observing takes place afterward at the Lodge at Big Springs.
Star Tours are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Concert Star Tours are $75 for adults and $50 for children 18 and under. All programs last about two hours. Find more information and booking information online at http://www.northstarcalifornia.com/info/summer/tahoe_star_tours.asp.