A Little Closer to the Stars ✨

Your guide to stargazing at Mintaka House

One of the best things about Joshua Tree happens after the sun goes down.

We've provided a telescope so you can get a closer look at the Moon, planets, and night sky. Never used one before? No problem. We'll walk you through it.

🔭 PART 1: HOW TO USE THE TELESCOPE

STEP 1 — Set Up Your Telescope

• Take the telescope outside and place it on flat, stable ground.

• Remove the large protective cap from the front of the telescope.

• Remove the small cap from the viewing eyepiece.

STEP 2 — Find the 25mm Eyepiece

Your telescope comes with two interchangeable eyepieces.

Look for the small, removable viewing piece labeled 25mm. The number should be printed on the piece itself.

Insert it into the eyepiece holder at the back of the telescope, where you'll look through it.

Gently tighten the small screw to hold it in place.

Always start with 25mm. It gives you a wider view, making objects much easier to find.

STEP 3 — Find Something to Look At

We recommend starting with the Moon!

Gently aim the main telescope tube toward the Moon.

If your telescope has locking knobs, loosen them slightly before moving it. Never force the telescope.

STEP 4 — Use the Finder Scope

See the little telescope mounted on top of the main telescope?

That's your finder scope.

Look through it and gently move the main telescope until the Moon is centered in the finder.

The finder scope needs to be properly aligned with the main telescope for this to work.

STEP 5 — Look Through the Main Telescope

Now look through the 25mm eyepiece.

You might see a blurry image at first. That's normal!

Find the focus knob near the eyepiece and turn it slowly until the image becomes sharp.

Can't see anything?

• Check that both lens caps are removed.

• Make sure you're using the 25mm eyepiece.

• Check that the Moon is centered in the finder scope.

• Slowly adjust the telescope's position and focus.

STEP 6 — Want a Closer Look?

Once you've found and centered your object with the 25mm eyepiece, carefully switch to the one labeled 10mm.

Look through it and adjust the focus again.

25mm = FIND IT

10mm = GET CLOSER

If you lose the object, switch back to 25mm and find it again.

📱 Want to Take a Photo?

First, find and focus your object while looking through the telescope.

Then attach the phone adapter to the eyepiece, align your phone camera with the opening, and use the remote shutter if provided.

The Moon makes a great first photo!

A Few Things to Know

• Objects slowly move out of view as Earth rotates. Gently reposition the telescope to follow them.

• Stars usually look like points of light, even through a telescope.

• Never point the telescope at the Sun. Doing so can permanently damage your eyes.

• Please replace the protective caps and bring the telescope and accessories inside when finished.

🌙 PART 2: WHAT'S IN THE SKY TONIGHT?

Not sure what you're looking at?

We've got you.

Open Your Interactive Sky Map

EXPLORE THE NIGHT SKY

Stellarium lets you explore the sky above Joshua Tree and identify stars, planets, and constellations.

How to use it:

1. Open Stellarium using the link above.

2. Set your location to Joshua Tree, California, if it isn't already correct.

3. Set the date and time to tonight.

4. Explore the map to see what's visible in different directions.

5. Choose something bright, find it in the real sky, and try locating it with the telescope.

Stellarium also offers a mobile app if you'd prefer a phone-based planetarium experience.

🪐 PART 3: FIVE THINGS WORTH LOOKING FOR

🌙 1. The Moon

Difficulty: Easy

The best place to start.

Look for craters, mountains, and shadows along the surface.

A partially illuminated Moon can actually be more interesting than a full Moon because the shadows make the craters stand out.

🪐 2. Saturn

Difficulty: Medium

Yes, you may be able to see Saturn's rings!

Use Stellarium to check whether Saturn is above the horizon tonight.

Start with 25mm, then try 10mm.

Expect a small image rather than the enormous planet photographs you've seen online.

✨ 3. Jupiter

Difficulty: Medium

Jupiter is one of the brightest planets in the sky when visible.

Through the telescope, you may be able to spot some of its four largest moons, appearing as tiny points of light beside the planet.

⭐ 4. Constellations

Difficulty: Easy — no telescope needed!

Use the sky map to find Orion, the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, or whichever constellations are visible during your stay.

The best way to enjoy constellations is with your eyes.

🌌 5. The Milky Way

Difficulty: Depends on the season and Moon

Joshua Tree is famous for its dark skies.

On clear, dark nights during the right season, you may be able to see the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

You don't need a telescope for this one.

Turn off the lights, let your eyes adjust, and look up.

✨ PART 4: OUR FAVORITE STARGAZING TIPS

Turn off the lights. Even a little outdoor lighting makes faint stars harder to see.

Give your eyes 20 minutes. Your night vision improves as your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Check the Moon. A bright Moon is great for telescope viewing but can wash out faint stars.

Bring a layer. Desert temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

Use a red flashlight. Red light helps preserve your night vision better than bright white light.

Be patient. Finding an object through a telescope takes a little practice.

One Last Thing...

Some of the best stargazing doesn't involve the telescope at all.

Turn off the lights, head out to the hammocks, and spend a few minutes looking up.

Welcome to the quieter side of Joshua Tree.

With love from Mintaka House.