Four evenings, one ridge.
Every programme is guided by a working astronomer, includes all equipment, a heated lodge with refreshments, and a weather guarantee - if clouds close in, we reschedule at no cost.
Package 01 · From $185
Stellar Introduction
Built for a first real night under a dark sky. Two hours, a working astronomer, three refractors, and the season's best objects - in small company.
We begin at dusk with naked-eye orientation through the Greek, Arabic and indigenous names of the constellations, then move to the eyepiece as the sky deepens. Expect the Moon (when up), the visible planets, a double star or two, and four to six of the brightest deep-sky objects for the season.
Hot drinks from the lodge throughout; a thermal blanket is laid over every chair.
| Duration | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Party size | 1 - 8 guests |
| Rate | $185 per guest |
| Telescopes | Takahashi TOA‑150, Televue NP‑101 |
| Guide | Staff astronomer |
| Minimum age | 10 |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, seated observation available |
| Duration | 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Party size | 1 - 6 guests |
| Rate | $345 per guest |
| Telescope | Aether‑24 Cassegrain (610mm f/8) |
| Guide | Senior astronomer |
| Objects viewed | 12 - 18 typical |
| Accessibility | Seated eyepiece station on request |
Package 02 · From $345
Deep Sky Explorer
For eyes already familiar with the night sky. The 24-inch Cassegrain, a curated object list, and patience - we sit with the light.
You read a brief at arrival: a dozen or so galaxies, globular clusters and nebulae chosen for that night's transparency and altitude. A senior astronomer stays at the eyepiece, re-centres and describes what the field is showing at each stage of dark adaptation.
Sessions run to the end of astronomical darkness - or to the point at which you have had enough.
Package 03 · From $495
Astrophotography Workshop
Bring your camera. Leave with a finished image and the workflow to make the next one alone.
We plan the target over tea in the afternoon, set up polar alignment and tracking before dusk, then spend the evening acquiring - lights, darks, flats and bias frames. Mid-session, the processing lesson: calibration, stacking in PixInsight or Siril, stretches, and colour balance.
You leave with a fully-processed image you took, plus the files and settings to reproduce the pipeline on your own gear at home.
| Duration | 5 hours |
|---|---|
| Party size | 1 - 4 guests |
| Rate | $495 per guest |
| Mount | Paramount ME II (tracking) |
| Imaging rig | ZWO ASI6200MM Pro (available) |
| Software | PixInsight · Siril · N.I.N.A. |
| Skill level | Intermediate camera users |
| Duration | Up to 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Party size | 1 - 10 guests |
| Flat rate | $3,200 |
| Telescopes | Full 12-instrument collection |
| Guide | Director & senior staff |
| Dinner | Mountaintop, included |
| Booking window | 4 - 8 weeks in advance |
Package 04 · $3,200 flat
Private Observatory Night
The observatory, the flagship instrument, and the ridge - yours alone, by arrangement.
Brief us before you arrive: a proposal, a celebration, or a sky you have always wanted to see properly. We cook, we open the dome, and we stay at the eyepiece for as long as the sky holds. The director guides every private evening personally.
Arranged by appointment, typically four to eight weeks in advance.
Always Included
Every evening, regardless of package.
Heated Lodge
Warm shelter, hot drinks, bathroom facilities and a place to warm up between observations.
Red-Light Kit
Headlamp, blanket, star atlas and pencil - yours for the night, to preserve dark adaptation.
Weather Guarantee
Overcast night? We reschedule at no charge, or refund in full - your choice, no questions.
Shuttle Transport
Complimentary 4×4 shuttle from the Aether Lane turnoff - the final two miles of mountain road, on us.
Choose your evening.
We respond to every enquiry within one business day with availability, directions, and the evening's brief.