FAQ

🪐 It's the best telescope in the world that you can still carry.

Barely!  The optical tube and mount is 65 pounds!  The 11" aperture is a big light bucket, but the Schmidt-Cassegrain's strength lies in it's focal length.  Even though the telecsope is only two feet long, it behaves like it's over 9 feet due to fancy mirrors in the tube.  This means maximum magnification  and clarity on Saturn, Jupiter, and distant dark sky objects!

It lives on a twenty pound tripod that is extremely stable.  We only use premium 2" eyepieces to give the widest, sharpest views possible.  

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Yes — all ages and species are welcome.

Since these are private shows, you’re free to bring whoever you want. That said, very young children might struggle to engage with the material or sit still through the whole program, and we certainly don't want to play dog on leash vs. telescope.  

🌧️ If we have to cancel due to weather and can't reschedule, you'll receive a full refund.

We make weather calls at least 4 hours before showtime and will reach out personally to refund or reschedule.

⏳ Most programs run about 2 hours.

But we’ve gone longer — our record is 5 hours for a group that just couldn’t stop asking questions!

📆 Full refund if canceled more than 7 days out. 50% refund if less than 7 days.

Weather exceptions apply — if we cancel due to weather and can't reschedule, you’ll get 100% back.

🤷 Frankly we don't care.  

We only have 10 fancy chairs and binoculars, and more than 10 folk is a lot for one astronomer and telescope to handle.  But since it's your private booking, we'll fit in to any situation.  Date night?  We're the optimal third wheel.  Wedding reception?  No problem, we'll be the telescope attraction.  Soon, you'll be able to add another astronomer and telescope for a reasonable fee.

🔭 Absolutely not.

In fact, the less you know, the smarter we sound! Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned sky nerd, we’ll meet you where you are. 

🧥 Check the weather before your show — it might be cold, or it might be perfect.

Just dress properly. We provide blankets when it's cold.  Red flashlights are great (we’ll have extras!).  Always have water in the desert!

🪐 Astro Mucho's guides are paid well for their knowledge and scarcity.

Tips are not expected, but always appreciated. If you had a stellar time (pun intended), a high fifty is an excellent way to say thanks to your guide for going above and beyond.

📷 Yes — just no flash, please!

You’re welcome to take photos during the show, and we even have telescope smartphone adapters to try your hand at astrophotography. We also use a SeeStar smart scope during experiences and eventually will offer high quality framed and printed astrophography. 

🌌 Sure — if they’re visible that night!

Most celestial objects are seasonal. For example, Saturn won’t be back until August.  Jupiter?  December.  Let us know if there’s something you’re hoping to see, and we’ll tailor the night accordingly.

🏙️ Even the most light-polluted parts of South Brewster County can still wow.

We’ll work with you to find the best nearby setup — ideally away from light. Terlingua is part of the largest and only bi-national dark sky reserve in the world. Just look up and you'll have better skies than most places.

🚗 Our base rate includes up to 1 hour of round-trip driving.

We’re happy to go farther, but additional travel time will be charged at $40/hour.