SkyTour LiveStream Announces Opening Of New Observatory in Benson, Arizona:
Designed to Explore the Cosmos, SkyTour LiveStream Brings the Universe Closer Through Real-Time Stargazing
Terryville, CT, JUNE 2025 -- Renowned Astronomer Marc D’Antonio has announced the opening of a new SkyTour LiveStream Observatory in Benson, Arizona. The new site shares the top of a plateau with many other professional Astronomers. The new observatory, which opened during February, 2025, is now fully online and provides views and images of the Universe. The new site also features a beautiful, 11” telescope with filters to capture optimal views of objects of interest across the Universe.
The new Benson Observatory joins D’Antonio’s first, which is located 75 miles west of Phoenix Arizona, in the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran location has been operating quietly for about three years. That observatory features a 10” telescope modified to be a wide field system and captures expansively large clouds of stars and nebulae.
SkyTour LiveStream is a 501(c)(3) Corporation. STLS can be found at: www.youtube.com/@STLS And a portal to SkyTour LiveStream is available at: www.skytourlive.org
“We now have two outreach locations to showcase the universe!” says D’Antonio. “Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of these two locations is that both are completely remote, operated from 2600 miles away, and represent a leap in astronomical outreach and presentation.”
D’Antonio adds, “When we gaze upwards into the vast night sky, a sense of wonder envelops us. The stars, planets, and galaxies, so distant yet tantalizingly close in their mystery, have inspired humanity for centuries. Now, thanks to the marvel of modern technology, these wonders can be experienced by anyone with an internet connection. That is why we created SkyTour LiveStream, an innovative, streaming initiative that brings the universe to life in real-time, connecting people from around the world to the cosmos, like never before.”
THE VISION BEHIND SKYTOUR:
The SkyTour LiveStream (STLS) is more than just an astronomical broadcast—it’s a portal into the universe, a seamless blend of technology, education, and awe-inspiring visuals. Created by Astronomer Marc Dantonio and a team of dedicated individuals, STLS is simple yet transformative: using advanced telescopic systems and live-streaming technology, viewers are given a front-row seat to the observable universe. From the majestic glow of nebulae to the intricate dance of distant galaxies, the LiveStream captures celestial phenomena in stunning clarity and broadcasts them live to audiences all over the globe.
The primary goal of SkyTour is accessibility. Astronomy, traditionally confined to observatories or specialized equipment, is now available to everyone—students, stargazers, and even those who have never looked through a telescope. By democratizing access to the cosmos, SkyTour removes barriers and fosters a global appreciation of the wonders above us.
HOW SKYTOUR WORKS:
At the heart of the SkyTour LiveStream lies state-of-the-art equipment. High-powered telescopes equipped with sensitive dedicated astronomical cameras are stationed in remote locations, often far from the light pollution of urban centers. These telescopes are capable of capturing faint details of distant objects, from the intricate patterns of star clusters to the faint glow of galaxies millions of light-years away.
The telescopes are connected to a sophisticated software system that allows real-time tracking of celestial objects. This ensures that as Earth rotates and the night sky shifts, the LiveStream continuously features breathtaking sights without interruption. These visuals are then streamed live, accompanied by expert commentary that enriches the viewing experience.
One of the key features of SkyTour is its interactivity. Viewers can participate in the LiveStream by asking questions, suggesting objects to observe, or simply sharing their enthusiasm with a global community of fellow stargazers. This collaborative spirit transforms the LiveStream into a shared journey through the stars.
WHAT MAKES SKYTOUR UNIQUE:
While there are many ways to explore the universe—through planetariums, documentaries, or apps—SkyTour offers something truly unique: the immediacy of real-time observation. Unlike pre-recorded programs, SkyTour captures the unpredictability and thrill of live stargazing. A sudden meteor streaking across the screen, an unexpected glimpse of Saturn’s rings, or the rare alignment of planets creates moments of pure, unscripted magic.
SkyTour also emphasizes education. Each LiveStream is guided by astronomers and astrophysicists who provide in-depth explanations of what viewers are seeing. Whether it’s the physics behind the glowing gas of a nebula or the history of a galaxy billions of years old, the commentary turns the LiveStream into a learning experience as much as a visual spectacle.
THE WONDERS TO BEHOLD:
The SkyTour LiveStream showcases a variety of celestial objects, each with its own story to tell.
Planets: The LiveStream often focuses on our solar system’s planets, capturing Jupiter’s swirling storms, Saturn’s ethereal rings, and the changing phases of Venus.
Stars and Star Clusters: Viewers can witness the fiery brilliance of stars, from massive supergiants to dense neutron stars. Star clusters, like the Pleiades, reveal the intricate patterns of stellar formation.
Galaxies: Distant galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy or the Whirlpool Galaxy, showcase the immense scale and diversity of the universe.
Nebulae and Supernova Remnants: The LiveStream captures the ethereal beauty of nebulae like the Orion Nebula, as well as the remnants of exploded stars, offering a glimpse into the lifecycle of the cosmos.
Each object brings a sense of scale and perspective, reminding us of our place in the vast expanse of the universe.
FOSTERING A GLOBAL CONNECTION:
The SkyTour LiveStream is not just about stargazing; it’s about building a global community united by curiosity and wonder. Each session brings together people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, all marveling at the same night sky. This shared experience fosters a sense of unity that transcends borders, reminding us that we are all inhabitants of the same tiny planet orbiting a distant star.
In addition, the LiveStream often partners with schools, universities, and educational organizations to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers. By providing young learners with direct access to the cosmos, SkyTour nurtures a lifelong love of astronomy and science.
THE FUTURE OF SKYTOUR:
As technology continues to advance, the potential for SkyTour is limitless. Improved telescopic systems, higher-resolution cameras, and advancements in streaming technology will make the experience even more immersive. In the future, SkyTour might incorporate augmented reality, allowing viewers to overlay celestial data onto their own view of the night sky.
There’s also the possibility of expanding to new locations. By setting up telescopes in different hemispheres, SkyTour could provide 24-hour coverage of the universe, ensuring that the wonders of the cosmos are always within reach.
The SkyTour LiveStream is a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with the stars. By bringing the universe to our screens in real-time, it bridges the gap between the immensity of the cosmos and the intimacy of our everyday lives. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious first-time viewer, SkyTour invites you to join a journey of exploration, wonder, and discovery—a journey that reminds us of the boundless beauty and mystery of the universe.So, the next time you find yourself wondering about the stars above, tune in to SkyTour LiveStream! The universe is waiting. Join us! Support us! Its completely Free!
ABOUT MARC D’ANTONIO
Marc D’Antonio has a degree in Astronomy and is the Mutual UFO Network’s (MUFON) Chief Photo/Video Analyst. He is also the host of SkyTour Radio on KGRA, and host and creator of the popular SkyTour LiveStream, a group of LIVE deep sky Telescope Observatories on YouTube. There, people can go on clear nights to watch beautiful deep sky objects materialize before their eyes in mere seconds courtesy of the SkyTour LiveStream Remote Observatories and their research telescopes from Meade Instruments Corporation.
Marc is also the CEO of FX Models, a model making and visual/special effects company specializing in digital and physical models, and organic visual effects in the film industry.
Marc has an extensive work history in television, discussing and investigating extraterrestrial life, appearing regularly on several networks and television series/shows on such networks as History, Discovery, Discovery Plus, Netflix, TLC and more. He has appeared on History Channel’s The Proof is Out There TV series as their photo and video analyst.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marc D’Antonio
