A sword for a hunter

Orion's Sword began with the recognition of an amendable tragedy: the majority of the world population's inability to access the simplest of Earthly birthrights, the night sky.  We aim to address this by offering opportunity to experience professional interpretation of the breathtaking night skies of Northern Arizona, away from the light pollution of civilization. 

One can expect up-to-date science alongside ancient and exotic star stories with Orion's Sword, with reliable access to the true night sky, as Northern Arizona enjoys a consistent 300 clear nights of viewing per year!

Operating in and around Flagstaff, Sedona, the San Francisco Peaks (the highest mountains in Arizona), Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, the Navajo reservation, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell, Orion's Sword can be a phenomenal addition to weddings, celebrations, camps, or any other outdoor events.

 ...Or it can be a destination in itself.  See our offered services for details.

Orion's Sword is the tool for anyone hunting for more skylight than they've ever had before.

World Renowned night skies

The land in what is now Northern Arizona has been known for its brilliant night skies for over a century.  Astronomers and dark-sky enthusiasts have pilgrimed there since the 1890s, and we know from local  pictographs and ruins that Native Americans have studied and enjoyed the sky long before that.  Today, multiple major observatories perform studies in the city of Flagstaff, Arizona, nicknamed the Skylight City for its stellar location.

Historic Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona

How many stars are in the sky?

Flagstaff, Arizona, as the World's First International Dark Sky City, minimizes its light pollution (artificial light shining into the night sky). 

In a large light-polluted city, some may be lucky to see five stars in the night sky.  When not hindered by light pollution, though, the human eye can see an overwhelming 2,500 stars at a time, not to mention the majestic Milky Way! 

With a telescope professionally operated by Orion's Sword astronomers, one may be able to pick out more of the 200 billion stars in our galaxy, or even other galaxies entirely.  Planets, nebulas, meteor showers, eclipses, and other astronomical curiosities become accessible as well by Orion's Sword, but only in an outbacking scenario away from the light pollution of civilization -- an experience you can't even get at an observatory in any city.

It takes a minimum of 45 minutes for human eyes to adapt to ideal darkness, seen here in grey and black. 

In the United States and Europe, 99% of the public can't experience natural darkness!

Visit Light Pollution Map for a navigable map to find your home and see how bright (or ideally -- dark) it is!

Linked pages are currently under construction. Please contact us with any questions.

Telescope Viewing

Come with Orion's Sword or meet us at a destination of your choosing.  View stars, planets, and other celestial objects far away from the city and light pollution.  Popular with weddings and parties.

Lunar craters and maria (basalt plains)

Nebulae such as M57 "The Ring"

Galaxies hundreds of light years away

Testimonials

Julian, Phoenix

I would never have guessed what we're missing out on, living in Phoenix.  The stars were overwhelming, and we loved seeing Saturn in the telescope!  Thank you for the delicious meals, too, fajitas never tasted so good!

Jennifer, Hong Kong

Our family had such a good time camping and seeing the stars!  The kids remember all of the star stories you told them.

Rachel, Flagstaff

Our string quartet is so pleased with how our astro portrait came out.  The staff was very professional and helpful during both the planning and shooting stages.