Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about reserving your pier at Astropeak Observatory.
Reservations & Deposits
How does the reservation deposit work?
With limited piers available, reservations are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot with a refundable deposit (minus credit card processing fees). Once the building is complete, your reservation deposit becomes your setup fee. A dedicated service technician will call within 24 hours to guide you through scheduling your telescope's arrival.
What happens after I reserve?
After completing your reservation, you'll receive regular email updates on construction progress. Once the building is ready:
- Technician call within 24 hours
- Shipping instructions & pier assignment
- Full installation & cable management
What is the waitlist?
If all piers in a building are reserved, you can join our waitlist at no cost. When a spot becomes available due to a cancellation, the next person on the waitlist will be notified and given the opportunity to reserve.
When will the building be ready?
We are actively making progress on the building and expect to open in late spring 2026. You'll receive regular email updates along the way.
Why Astropeak?
What makes Astropeak better?
Astropeak will be located at one of the darkest sites in the United States, with SQM readings consistently between 21.5 and 22.0 (Deep in Bortle 1 territory). At 5000+ feet in elevation in an arid desert climate, there's less atmosphere, less humidity, and less turbulence between your telescope and the stars. We will provide blazing-fast 2GB fiber upload and download for seamless remote control.
We're building a fully integrated platform where everything you need is in one place—pier status, support requests, VPN credentials, roof control, power management, live surveillance feeds, and more. Our custom software solutions are designed to make your remote imaging experience effortless and delightful.
Location & Site Details
Where is the observatory located?
Astropeak Observatory is located in southern Utah, in some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Our site sits at over 5000 feet elevation in an arid desert climate with minimal light pollution and excellent atmospheric conditions.
We maintain operational security by not publicly disclosing the exact address. Once you complete your reservation, you'll receive detailed location information and shipping instructions for your equipment.
What are the sky conditions like?
Our site consistently measures SQM readings between 21.5 and 22.0, placing us deep in Bortle 1 territory—the darkest classification possible. The high desert location provides:
- Minimal light pollution
- Low humidity and atmospheric turbulence
- Over 300 imagable nights per year
What about internet connectivity?
Despite our remote location, Astropeak will provide 2GB fiber internet with symmetric upload and download speeds. This will ensure seamless remote control of your telescope, fast data transfer, and real-time monitoring without lag or buffering.
Can I visit the observatory?
Yes! Customers are welcome to visit by appointment. We require advance notice to coordinate site access and ensure staff availability. Once your pier is reserved, you'll receive contact information for scheduling visits and on-site support.
Technical Support
What technical support is available?
Astropeak provides 24/7 onsite support, including equipment checks, resets, cable inspections, weather alerts, and remote-access assistance. Your rig is always monitored and never left unattended.
Each subscription includes 3 AP Credits for quick 1–2 minute tasks—filter swaps, dust cap placement, cable inspections, or similar minor adjustments.
For collimation, PC troubleshooting, or detailed mechanical adjustments, schedule time with our trained technicians at $50/hour.
Equipment & Safety
Is my equipment safe?
Your equipment is securely protected at all times. Our facility maintains locked imaging bays, 24/7 onsite staff, and continuous surveillance. We monitor weather, power, and equipment status around the clock. Your telescope is always watched over and cared for as if it were our own.
Do I need insurance?
While insurance is not required, we strongly recommend insuring your telescope and mount for peace of mind during shipping and long-term hosting. Most customers use their homeowner's or renter's policy, or add a rider specifically for high-value equipment.
Shipping & Setup
What do I need to know about shipping a telescope?
Your telescope should be packed in its original foam or a secure hard case with all components protected against movement. We'll provide you with clear shipping instructions, labeling details, and the exact address once your pier is assigned. We also notify you when your equipment arrives. If you plan on shipping a reflector, a fresh collimation may be needed.
What should I send?
We provide:
- Pier & pier adapter
- Dedicated Ethernet line
- AC power
You send:
- Telescope & mount
- Imaging camera & filters
- Guide scope/OAG & guide camera
- Mini PC or control computer
- Power supplies & USB cables
- Tripod alignment pins & mount bolts
Please label your equipment with your name or reservation number. An itemized list is extremely helpful. Our team handles full installation and cable management.
What mount can I send?
We accept almost all major mounts. That being said, some mounts are easier to work with than others. For imaging trains under 40lbs, we highly recommend strain wave harmonic mounts like the ZWO AM5/AM3. Mounts should have good homing software to avoid delays in your imaging.
Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards through our secure payment processor, Stripe. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. All transactions are encrypted and secure.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.