“Astronomy, Stargazing and Space for Everyone”

Stephen Mackintosh (Highland Astronomy) is a freelance astronomer, night sky photographer and STEM educator based in the Highlands of Scotland. He delivers public outreach astronomy talks, tours, and private stargazing events at select dark sky locations around the Inverness area and wider Highlands.

His professional guiding can include any of the following:

• Naked eye constellation and binocular tours
• Interactive astronomy talks and lectures.
• Eyepiece and video telescope viewing
• Stargazing parties
• Dark Sky Consultancy
• STEM based astronomy outreach for schools and larger organisations

Night and Sky Photography

Please see Stephen’s collection of night and sky images here, photographed in and around the Scottish Highlands.

“I had such a wonderful and magical evening with wonderful people”

Evening Stargazing Tours and Vouchers

During the darker months (September – March) Stephen runs bespoke stargazing tours based out of Inverness.

Click here for details on ‘Evening Stargazing Tours’.

Hotel Outreach

He also offers hotel based stargazing experiences and guiding from several high quality accommodations at dark sky locations across the Highlands of Scotland.  Please see offerings from The Torridon Resort , Gask House and The Steadings.

“Stephen is an articulate and nuanced astronomer, with a real flair for communicating complex concepts in a way that people can understand.”

Equipment

• Handheld binoculars and larger 100mm tripod mounted binoculars
• A powerful yet portable 8-inch Schmidt-Cassigrain GOTO tracking telescope, with a large compliment of eyepieces and filters
• A full video astronomy setup including specialist camera and monitor  – ideal for larger group planetary and deep sky observing
• High quality aluminium solar filters for safe daytime viewing of sunspots or transits on our nearest star
• A Star Analyser diffraction grating and software for live spectroscopy – permitting real science at the telescope
• Projector, collapsable screen and presentation props

Contact

For more information and bookings please email me or call 07414 964965, and I’ll happily discuss your particular needs.

For peace of mind all my stargazing and astronomy activities are covered under comprehensive public liability insurance.

Scotland’s outstanding dark skies

Click here for a detailed survey of light pollution conditions in the Highlands of Scotland.

Testimonials

“Stephen is an articulate and nuanced astronomer, with a real flair for communicating complex concepts in a way that people can understand. His video telescope work is excellent, revealing details of the cosmos on a computer screen for all to see, allowing audiences to marvel at Jupiter’s moons, faint nebulae, and distant giant galaxies.” – Steve Owens, author of “Stargazing for Dummies’ @darkskyman.

“I’d thoroughly recommend Stephen Mackintosh to host an astronomy event. As well as being extremely knowledgeable, he is a good communicator that is well able to hold the attention of a large group. I look forward to working with him again and to what I’ll learn about and see in the night sky” — Caroline Snow, Project Manager, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, Inverness.

“I have spent many a happy but chilly night alongside Stephen Mackintosh, enjoying a guided tour of the night sky. He has shown me planets, galaxies, clusters and nebulae. Every sighting has been accompanied with informative commentary about their discovery and historical background. Wrap up warm and bring a flask of hot chocolate. You will be in for an unforgettable night.” — Gavin Macfie, Writer and Outdoorsman at Living Mountain.

“I had such a wonderful and magical evening with wonderful people. I learned a lot from that tour Stephen. I like it how you explain things in a way that everyone could easily understand it. Like it better when you relate baking with how the universe is expanding. Ive seen my favorite star cluster Pleiades and now i am getting interested with the double stars. Thank you very much.” — Chen from London, guest at one of the Cairngorm Stargazing breaks.

“Fantastic evening; fascinating talk and loved being shown the Milky Way, various stars and constellations. Thank you.” – Claire Grove

“A great gift- an awakening to our heavenly skies.” – Rosie Newman

“Fascinating evening! Stephen is very knowledgeable and patient (given the freezing temp). We were gifted a voucher for his tour and I highly recommend it as a present for amateur star gazers in your life” – Jenni Russell

“Beautiful location, whoever knew there were so many stars! Informative, educational, enjoyable. great value. Recommended” – Bernice Nott

“Have been to two events now, third tonight. Very good at getting his vast wealth of knowledge across, to both adults and youngsters (group aged 10-15). Sparked an interest in those who were new to stargazing and great question and answer session with those who already had a bit of knowledge.” – Fiona Fraser

“Just got home from an excellent night at Abriachan stargazing with Stephen. Really enjoyed the evening especially as I’m a novice to this subject but Stephen explained it all in an easy to understand manner. And to top the evening off we had a lovely display with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Thanks again Stephen excellent evening.” –  Sheila Coubrough