Pick a place.
Check the sky.
Go look.
I’m Mike Basso. I take my cameras and telescope into the desert, and I’m building Local Reality for people who want to spend more time under the stars.
Start with the free night planner. Research a place to go, check the information it provides, and make sure access is allowed before leaving. If you’re just getting started, the field notes cover what to bring and how to begin without a telescope.
No expertise required. Bring curiosity, a warm layer and a little time.
Plan your first
night outside.
You don’t need to know every constellation. Find a place to research, check the sky forecast, and bring a chair. Check park suggestions, weather and a packing list.
OPEN THE NIGHT PLANNER ↗Free to use. Research places and confirm official access before leaving.
Start stargazing
with what you have.
Start with your eyes. Get comfortable somewhere you’re allowed to be. Learn the difference between a bright-Moon night and a night for faint stars. Try a simple activity before deciding what gear you need.
BEGINNER FIELD NOTES ↗Not sure what gear you need? Read the binoculars-or-telescope guide ↗
Compare binoculars for stargazing ↗ · Photograph the sky with your phone ↗
A little closer
to the sky.
Three astronomy questions, with short answers to help you get started. A new set arrives each day at midnight, Los Angeles time.
Photographs from
nights outside.
Original work from my archive. Browse the images, or try a free phone wallpaper before buying the six-image After Dark collection.
EXPLORE MY PHOTO ARCHIVE ↗
Night-sky
phone wallpapers.
Six original photographs from nights outside, made into phone wallpapers. Milky Way landscapes and colorful star fields, cropped for phone screens.
SIX WALLPAPERS · $9 USD ↗Digital download · Personal use · Small artist watermark · Taxes at checkout
Dispatches
From the Void
A monthly newsletter about science, everyday observations, food and music. Read the current issue and browse the archive.
Try a small
daily challenge.
One optional activity each day. Try it, skip it, or save it for later. A new assignment arrives at midnight, Los Angeles time.
PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENTS & YOUR RECORD 0 COMPLETED
A new idea
each week.
A short note from Mike, updated each Monday.
Hi, I’m Mike.
I’m Mike Basso, the person behind Local Reality. I take photographs, spend time under the stars, and write Dispatches From the Void.
Made in Los Angeles, with curiosity and plenty of questions. I’m building this place to share my photographs and help more people get outside and look up. There’s room for science, a little silliness, and whatever else catches my attention.
