We had the good fortune of connecting with Luke Haase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luke, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had the incredible opportunity to work with Space Gandalf at Astro Tours Broome in Australia. I was struck by the way we brought the night sky to life, connecting celestial objects to stories and making astronomy accessible and engaging, was truly inspiring. It was more than just a job; it was my dream job.

Back in Colorado, I realized there wasn’t anything similar to what we had been doing in Australia. Despite the rich night skies and enthusiastic communities, there was a gap in hands-on, guided astronomy experiences. I couldn’t find any organization that offered the same level of passion and educational engagement with the night sky.

I knew that I couldn’t continue working in Australia due to visa restrictions, but I didn’t want to give up on what I loved doing. So, I decided to create AstroTours.org to fill that gap and bring my dream job to life in my home state. I wanted to offer people the same awe-inspiring experiences I had been a part of in Australia, using telescopes, storytelling, and a deep love for the cosmos to connect with others and inspire a sense of wonder.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
AstroTours.org is dedicated to bringing the wonders of the cosmos to people of all ages through immersive stargazing events. We use large telescopes, professional astronomers, and lasers to explore stars, planets, constellations, satellites, nebulae, distant galaxies, and more. Our tours are accessible by car or ride apps, and no hiking is required, making them inclusive for everyone. Additionally, we use the proceeds from our regular tours to offer programs at cost or even free for youth groups and those in need.

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and the passion we bring to each event. Our professional astronomers guide guests through the night sky, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm. This personalized experience, combined with our high-quality equipment, ensures that every participant leaves with a deeper appreciation for the universe.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our community and the opportunities we’ve created for people to connect with the cosmos. Seeing the awe and excitement on people’s faces as they look through a telescope for the first time is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited to continue this work and see where it takes me in the future.

Professionally, I got to where I am today by persisting and not giving up. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a labor of love. The challenges were numerous, from securing funding and equipment to building a customer base and navigating the logistical aspects of running a business.

I overcame these challenges by staying true to my passion and purpose. Each obstacle was a chance to learn and grow. I also had the support of mentors, friends, and the community, which made a huge difference.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying connected to your core mission. It’s crucial to keep your passion alive, even when things get tough. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and continuously seeking to improve are also key factors in overcoming challenges.

What I want the world to know about AstroTours.org is that we offer more than just a stargazing tour. We provide a unique opportunity to connect with the universe and understand our place within it. Our message is that we are all on this planet, journeying through space together. The greatest show in the universe is happening right above our heads, whether we’re looking or not. So, why not take a moment to look up and experience it?

AstroTours.org is here to make those moments possible, and I’m excited to continue this journey, bringing the wonders of the night sky to as many people as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable time, and of course, an AstroTour would be the highlight! The Rocky Mountain night sky is truly the best thing about Colorado, and everyone visiting needs to see it. Here’s a week-long itinerary packed with fun, interesting, and exciting activities:

Day 1: Denver Delights

Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, a beautiful and serene spot to enjoy nature.
Lunch: Head to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, for the amazing views and a picnic.
Afternoon: Explore Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience that’s both fun and mind-bending.
Evening: Dinner at Union Station’s Mercantile Dining & Provision for a fantastic meal and end the night at the 1up arcade bar.

Day 2: Boulder Bound

Morning: Kick off with a hike at one of my favorite spots like NCAR, Chautauqua, Boulder Creek, or Boulder Falls.
Lunch: Head to Pearl Street Mall, park at the Mork and Mindy house (nanu nanu), and enjoy lunch at Mountain Sun Brewery.
Afternoon: Explore Pearl Street with stops at Liberty Puzzles Store, Into the Wind Kite Store, and a charming vintage shop near the capital.
Later Afternoon: Take a factory tour at Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, Liberty Puzzles Factory, or NCAR.
Evening: Relax with tea at the Dushanbe Tea House while waiting for it to get dark enough to start our AstroTour. Ending the night with stargazing in Boulder is a perfect way to wrap up the day.

Day 3-4: Mountain Adventures

Destination: Head to the mountains! Depending on the season, this could be Mt. Blue Sky to cool down, a hot spring to warm up, or a ski town like Winter Park or Aspen.
Activities: In winter, we’d ski; in summer, we’d hike or bike. And, of course, we’d have a mountain AstroTour in the evening.
Sights: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park for stunning views and wildlife sightings.

Day 5-6: More Denver Fun

Morning: Visit the Denver Art Museum and enjoy the diverse exhibits.
Lunch: Eat at Sam’s No. 3, a classic diner with great food.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the zoo, then a leisurely stroll through City Park.
Evening: Dinner at Root Down, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 7: Chill and Reflect

Morning: A relaxing morning at Sloan’s Lake Park, maybe rent a paddle boat.
Lunch: Enjoy brunch at Mimosas in five points for their famous mimosas.
Afternoon: A final visit to the Tattered Cover Book Store to pick up some great reads or souvenirs.
Evening: A farewell dinner at The Kitchen, an American bistro with a cozy atmosphere.

Throughout the week, we’d enjoy great food, stunning sights, and memorable experiences. But the true highlight would be the AstroTour, seeing the incredible Rocky Mountain night sky and understanding our place in the universe. Whether stargazing in Boulder or the mountains, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Colorado has so much to offer, and this itinerary ensures a mix of urban exploration, nature adventures, and cosmic wonder. It’s a perfect blend to show off the best of Colorado!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Greg Quicke, affectionately known as “Space Gandalf,” and AstroTours Broome. Greg was not only a mentor to me but also a dear friend who deeply inspired my journey in astronomy. His recent passing has been a significant loss, but his teachings and spirit continue to guide me.

When I worked with Greg in Australia, I was struck by his passion for bringing the night sky to people in an engaging and meaningful way. He had a unique ability to connect celestial phenomena with everyday life, making the universe accessible to everyone. Greg’s philosophy of “Earth Turning Conscious” profoundly influenced me, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the cosmos.

Returning to Colorado, I realized there wasn’t anything similar to what Greg was doing in Australia. I saw a gap and felt compelled to fill it by starting AstroTours.org. I wanted to continue Greg’s legacy of inspiring awe and understanding of the night sky. AstroTours is built on the foundation of the experiences and lessons I learned from Greg. I’m eternally grateful for his mentorship and proud to carry on his message here in Colorado.

Greg believed that astronomy was not just about observing distant objects but about recognizing our shared journey on this Earth. His ability to remain present and find joy even in difficult times taught me invaluable lessons about life and death, viewing them as part of a grand cosmic dance. His legacy lives on through AstroTours, and every time I guide a tour, I feel his presence and strive to embody the joy and wisdom he shared with so many.

AstroTours.org wouldn’t be what it is today without the inspiration and foundation laid by AstroTours Broome and Space Gandalf. I’m honored to continue this work and spread the message of Earth Turning Consciousness. Thank you, Greg, for everything. Your spirit shines brightly in the night sky and in the hearts of all who knew you.

Website: https://www.astrotours.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrotoursorg/

Linkedin: https://www.astrotours.org/bio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstroToursorg

Yelp: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/278946?source=p1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@astrotour

Other: https://www.birdymagazine.com/featured/astro-tours-birdy-marvels-at-the-universe-through-telescopes-by-krysti-jomei/

Image Credits
AstroTours.org

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