Hosting Astrotourists

Meet Star Gazers

In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Bob Mizon, who has battled light pollution for more than thirty years. Bob shares with us the basic principles of responsible lighting. We also cover do's and don'ts for owners of B&Bs in order to make their accommodations attractive for dark sky tourists.

Time stamps :

• 06:09 : What do owners of dark sky friendly B&Bs need to know about the principles of responsible lighting to host astrotourists ? Could you please elaborate on the measures to be taken for indoor as well as outdoor lighting ?
• 09:01 : What do I need to keep in mind about street lighting in the vicinity of my property or my neighbour's lighting ?
• 12:34 : Which changes can I make on my property to welcome astrotourists ?
• 16:51 : What are the expectations of astrotourists from a dark sky friendly B&B ?
• 20:10 : What is good stargazing etiquette ?
• 21:20 : What would be the constituents of a stargazing kit ?
• 25:24 : In terms of planning a stay for astrotourists, what do I need to consider as a host ?
• 30:33 : Can I propose a complementary experience to my guests like an evening of stargazing with an amateur astronomer or a nocturnal nature trail ?
• 33:49 : Could you please share any good resources for aspiring dark sky friendly B&B owners ?

Useful Links and Resources :

• Finding a Million-Star Hotel: An Astro-Tourist’s Guide to Dark Sky Places
• Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies
• International Dark Sky Association
• BAA Commission for Dark Skies
• Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
• Stellarium
• Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North)
• The Night Sky, Southern Hemisphere Star Finder
• Binocular Astronomy
• Discover the Night Sky through Binoculars
• The Monthly Sky Guide
• What is Dark Adaptation ? Recommendations for Red LED Flashlights for Astronomy

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.