Valerie Stimac

San Francisco

Travel Writer and Blogger at Freelance

✨ Space ✈️ Travel 👩🏻‍💻 SEO

Articles

Meet The Crew Of Blue Origin’s 30th New Shepard Flight

2 months ago | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Blue Origin has announced the six-member crew set to fly on its upcoming NS-30 mission, marking the 10th human spaceflight for the New Shepard program and its 30th mission overall. Among the selected astronauts is Lane Bess, making his second journey aboard the suborbital spacecraft. The full crew list includes Lane Bess, Jesús Calleja, Elaine Chia Hyde, Dr. Richard Scott, Tushar Shah, and a yet-to-be-revealed sixth crew member.
Landes De Gascogne Joins Global Network Of Dark Sky Reserves

2 months ago | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

France’s Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park (PNR) has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognizing the collective efforts of the region in preserving and enhancing its starry skies. This prestigious certification, granted by DarkSky International, is the result of extensive collaboration among municipalities, departmental energy unions, and local stakeholders.
‘Great Comet Of 2025’ Dazzles - Here Are The Best Photos

2 months ago | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Lately, there seems to be no shortage of fascinating astronomical phenomena worth looking for in the night – and occasionally the daytime – sky. From solar eclipses to lunar eclipses to meteor showers to aurora displays, the past few years have been a delight for anyone interested in the wonders of the universe – or at least looking for a break from what’s happening here on Earth.
New Zealand’s Tāhuna Glenorchy Achieves Dark Sky Sanctuary Status

2 months ago | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

New Zealand’s Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary has been officially certified by DarkSky International, marking it as the fifth International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the country and the 23rd worldwide. Positioned along the 45th parallel – an astronomically significant latitude – it also offers one of the planet’s rare vantage points for the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse. Notably, it is the only designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary within the eclipse’s path, solidifying its global significance.
Sisters Joins Oregon's Dark Sky Movement With Prestigious Certification

2 months ago | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Sisters, Oregon, has been certified as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, making it the state’s second such community and the seventh International Dark Sky Place overall in Oregon.
New Moons In 2025: The Darkest Nights For Stargazing This Year

Jan 24, 2025 | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

In the celestial dance, there are many wonders: aurora dancing through the atmosphere, meteors streaking across the sky, eclipses that realign your understanding of the cosmic scale, and of course, the quiet contemplation of a night under the band of the Milky Way. You know what “ruins” all of them? A big, bright full moon.
Wales’ Gower National Landscape Shines Bright as Latest Dark Sky Community

Jan 17, 2025 | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Wales’ Gower Peninsula has been designated as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, a recognition that marks a significant milestone in preserving its natural nighttime environment. As one of the last remaining areas in South Wales with truly dar k skies, this achievement ensures that the starlit skies of Gower will be safeguarded for future generations.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Launches A New Chapter In Commercial Space

Jan 16, 2025 | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

After a few delays, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket safely achieved orbit during its inaugural NG-1 mission, marking a significant milestone for the company and the commercial space industry. Liftoff occurred at 2:03 a.m. EST (0703 UTC) on Thursday, Jan. 16 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. New Glenn’s seven BE-4 engines successfully powered the rocket into space, while the second stage’s BE-3U engines completed two burns to deliver the payload into its intended orbit.
Technical Issue Delays Debut Of Blue Origin's New Glenn

Jan 15, 2025 | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, rescheduled the long-awaited debut launch of its massive New Glenn rocket early Monday, citing technical issues with a vehicle subsystem. The launch, originally scheduled Friday, January 10, was pushed back several times due to unfavorable weather conditions. It was finally set for a launch window beginning at 1 a.m. ET on Monday, January 13, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Oregon Caves National Monument Earns International Dark Sky Park Title

Nov 18, 2024 | forbes.com | Valerie Stimac

Oregon Caves has officially joined the ranks of an elite group of places worldwide, earning certification as an International Dark Sky Park from DarkSky International. It is the second such designated location in Oregon; the other is Prineville Reservoir State Park, and the nearby Oregon Outback holds the prestigious title of International Dark Sky Sanctuary.