Hosted by Astronomer Stephen Mackintosh

Tour Season: September to March

From September to March, join me for an evening exploring the universe under Scotland’s dark skies close to Inverness.

These are private tours for 1–4 people, so whether you’re a couple, family or group of friends, the evening is exclusively yours. I’ll tailor the experience to your interests and explain the night sky in an informal and accessible way — no previous knowledge of astronomy is required.

I’ll choose the observing location according to the conditions on the night, looking for the darkest and clearest skies available. 

We’ll begin with the naked-eye sky, identifying prominent stars and constellations and getting our bearings. From there, we’ll use binoculars and telescope to explore planets and objects too faint or distant to see with the naked eye.

What will we see?

Depending on the season, Moon and planets, we might explore:

• The Milky Way and its countless stars
• Star clusters such as the Pleiades
• Nebulae and regions where stars are being born
• Galaxies, including our neighbouring Andromeda Galaxy
• Planets and their moons
• The Moon and its spectacular craters and mountains
• Double stars and many other fascinating objects

We’ll use the naked eye, large 100mm astronomical binoculars and a 150mm telescope to explore the sky at different scales.

Your own astronomer

I’m Stephen Mackintosh, an astronomer, STFC researcher and science educator who has been sharing my enthusiasm for astronomy with visitors and the local community for over 10 years.

My aim isn’t simply to point at objects in the sky, but to help you understand what you’re seeing and answer all those questions you’ve always wanted to ask about the Universe.

What if it’s cloudy?

Scottish weather doesn’t have to spoil your evening.

I’ll choose the observing location according to the conditions on the night. When skies are clear, we’ll spend the evening outside exploring the real night sky. If clouds or rain prevent outdoor observing, we will use my heated vehicle, screens and digital planetarium software to explore the Universe.

If conditions improve, we’ll head back outside and make the most of them.

Private stargazing — £200

£200 per group of up to four people, rather than per person.

Your tour includes equipment and transport from an agreed Inverness meeting point and approximately two hours of astronomy and stargazing.

A £50 deposit secures your date, with the remaining £150 payable on the evening. Your booking reserves the evening exclusively for your group, so this deposit is retained if you decide to cancel within 14 days of your tour date. 

Due to the use of my heated vehicle and screens, tours are not cancelled due to poor weather forecasts.

If I have to cancel the tour, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

How to Prepare

• Clothing: Winter in the highlands can be very cold, especially in exposed areas. Wear plenty of warm, layered clothing to trap heat. Wearing two pairs of socks is recommended to protect your feet from the cold.
• Equipment: All observing equipment is provided, including hand held binoculars, large binoculars and a 150mm telescope.

Booking 

• Contact me to schedule a date.
• Telephone 07414 964 965
• Email or direct message me on my Facebook site.

Moon Phases:

• Check the calendar below for Moon phases. Dates with a prominent Moon are not suitable for viewing the Milky Way, but the Moon itself is a wonderful object to observe. I will theme the evening according to the current Moon phase and planet positions. Please check the phase of the Moon here.

Looking for an unusual gift?

Give someone an evening under the Highland stars

A stargazing experience makes a memorable gift for someone who is fascinated by space, science, photography — or simply enjoys doing something a little different.

Gift vouchers are available for a private experience for up to four people.

Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or simply as a surprise.

Join me for an unforgettable stargazing experience and discover the wonders of the night sky!

Live Inverness Weather Report