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Guidelines and Policies

Guidelines and tips for using the equipment
  1. Touch only the focus knob!
    Except for the focus knob, please do not touch the telescope. If you lean on the scope or use it to steady yourself, you'll likely move it off of the object we're looking at. (Or worse, knock it over.) And fingerprints can damage some of the optical equipment. The focuser is the only thing you'll need to adjust or touch. We will help you steady yourself for the best view!
  1. For best focus, the stars should be pinpoints.
    Some of what we're looking at are "faint fuzzies" or larger (e.g. Jupiter) and may be hard to focus. The trick is to look at the stars in the field, and focus until those stars are pinpoints of light.
  1. Use either eye you want to look through the telescope eyepiece; eyeglasses are optional.
    You can use either eye. Some people prefer looking with glasses, some don't. We can help you figure out what works best for you.
  1. Use a trick called averted vision.
    For the "faint fuzzies", you can actually see them better if you don't look directly at them. (It has to do with how the rod and cone cells in your eyes work.) Handy tip: once you're looking in the eyepiece, look a little in the direction of your nose, and hold your gaze steady for several seconds without moving.

Guidelines for your safety and comfort on the tour
  1. Bring (and wear) appropriate clothing.
    Always be prepared for weather changes. Bring layers, even in the summer. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is also important.
  1. Bring water to stay hydrated.
  1. Share your plans and your location.
    We will let you know the location in advance; let someone know where you'll be. We encourage you to share your location with a trusted friend or family member.
  1. Make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle.
    We don't expect that you'll need more than a quarter tank of gas, but please have at least a half a tankful just in case.
  1. Keep an eye on weather forecasts leading up to your tour.
    Stardust Astrotours is a weather-dependent business. We dislike weather cancellations as much as anyone, but they can happen. We will communicate weather forecasting in the days leading up to your tour; if weather is potentially going to be an issue, we will communicate this in advance to the extent possible and will will communicate a "go/no-go" to you the day of your tour.
  1. Use only red light flashlights during the tour.
    We will provide red flashlights, but feel free to bring one if you have one. White lights ruin night vision!
  1. Understand that we'll be out in nature… be aware, and be prepared.
    There may not be a bathroom nearby. (We will have comfort supplies in this regard.) It's uncommon to encounter wildlife, but it is always possible. And you may not have cell phone reception during the tour.
  1. Physical considerations and limitations
    We will not need to do much walking, but we will be in locations that may not be paved and may be slightly difficult to walk or stand on (e.g. dirt/sand). Contact us in advance for any mobility or accessibility related concerns, we will do our best to include and accommodate everyone.

Rules and policies for participating in Stardust Astrotours
These are the main rules and policies. Participation is contingent upon agreement to the full list of rules and policies that will be sent to you upon booking your Astrotour.
  1. Indemnification
    You will be required to sign a waiver in advance, acknowledging risks and releasing Stardust Astrotours from any liability.
  1. Transportation and Roads
    Stardust Astrotours will provide a meeting location and details about the observing location. You are responsible for your own transportation and assume all liability for transporting your party. Short portions of the travel route may include unpaved roads that will not require 4-wheel drive.
  1. Care of Equipment and Responsibility for Damage
    We will show you proper use of equipment. You will be liable for the cost of any equipment repairs resulting from your use or misuse of the equipment, up to full replacement cost.
  1. Age requirements
    The minimum age for any tour is 6. See the Tour Options page for details about age guidelines and requirements for each type of tour. Children must be under parental supervision and control at all times of the tour.
  1. Duration of Tours and Finishing Earlier or Later
    For Dark Sky Discovery and Cosmic Odyssey tours, we guarantee at least 3 hours of observing at the dark sky location. If you wish to leave sooner for any reason, there are no refunds or partial refunds. If your tour guide needs to cut the tour short for any reason (such as weather), you will receive a partial refund.
  1. Conclusion point of Tour
    Your guide will clearly state when the tour is concluded and you will receive a participation certificate. At that point, the tour is formally concluded and you may return to your home, hotel, or other location on your own.
  1. Payment and Cancellation Policy
  1. We require payment in full to secure your booking.
  1. You may cancel without penalty up to 96 hours (4 days) before your tour. (Less any bank processing fees, if applicable.) Within the 96 hour window, we offer rescheduling options, credit toward a future tour, or partial refunds.
  1. Stardust Astrotours reserves the right to cancel tours in advance for reasons such as staff illness or inclement weather; and particularly in the case of weather, this could happen up to just a short time before your tour. If we need to cancel your tour outside of 24 hours in advance, we will refund you in full. Within 24 hours of your tour, if we need to cancel such as due to making a weather-related "go/no-go" call, we will work with you to either reschedule or refund you.
  1. Once your tour is underway, if your tour guide needs to cut the tour short for any reason (such as weather) before three hours have elapsed, you will receive a partial refund.