Star Gazing GeoDome

09/08/2026

This is concerning !

Experts say we’ve officially lost the night sk

Astronomers warn that the thousands of satellites currently in orbit have permanently destroyed our view of the universe. SpaceX's Starlink network makes up the vast majority of these, and two million more satellites are already under development.

An alarming photo capturing just one hour of satellite activity over Chile's pristine Atacama Desert has sparked fierce debate over the future of our night skies. The image, released by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), reveals a chaotic web of bright white streaks slicing through the celestial background.

Researchers warn that this visual pollution is only the beginning.

This rapid commercialization of space poses what scientists call an existential threat to modern astronomy. A groundbreaking study led by ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut warns that these planned fleets could increase night sky brightness by up to 300 percent, potentially making Earth's most powerful ground-based telescopes nearly useless.

Stargazers and scientists alike fear a tragedy of the commons — one where humanity's ancient, raw connection to the cosmos is permanently severed, replaced by a constant swarm of artificial light. And experts note that this loss has already started, as evidenced by this ESO photo.

Unless strict international limits are imposed, the night sky could soon become a relic of the past.

source: Hainaut, O. (2026). Beyond the limit: one million satellites and mirrors in space pose grave threat to the night sky. European Southern Observatory.

08/21/2026

12/31/2025
During those long winter months, Montana has a way of turning the night sky into something truly magical. With the Aurora Borealis dancing across the heavens, brilliant full moons lighting up the snowy landscape, and countless stars stretching endlessly overhead, it’s easy to understand why Montana is known as Big Sky Country.

Even though winter brought our project to a standstill, it also gave me some unforgettable moments beneath those incredible skies. I wanted to share a few of the beautiful pictures I captured this winter—little glimpses of the magic that made those long, cold months a little more special.

Thanks so much for checking in and following along!

08/20/2026

10/6/2025
Early October winter brought our project to a complete standstill. In order for us to continue installing the windows, the nighttime temperatures need to stay above freezing.

It was actually a fairly mild winter with hardly any snow, but the temperatures in Montana stayed below freezing—well, below zero at times—for a long time. In fact, it wasn’t until the end of June that we finally had consistently warm enough nights to get back to work!

I guess the saying is true: Montana only has two seasons—nine months of winter and three months of construction! 😂

07/06/2026

9/29/2025 The first day of installing the glass panels!

This was one of the days we had been looking forward to for months—and it quickly became one of the most challenging.

Before a single panel could be installed, each piece of custom-tempered glass had to be carefully masked with painter's tape. Then we applied high-strength double-sided sticking tape to the aluminum dome frame. Once everything was ready, the real challenge began.

Working high above the ground, three of us carefully lifted each glass panel into place, hoping we all had the same idea of what "centered" meant! Every panel had to have an even gap on all sides before it touched the adhesive. Once the glass was in exactly the right position, there was no room for error.

Then Barry took over. He carefully applied the structural caulk around the entire panel, smoothed every seam by hand, and removed the masking tape while the sealant was still fresh to leave behind clean edges.

As if that wasn't enough, Mother Nature decided to test us. Throughout the day, the mountain west winds grew stronger and stronger. At times they were so powerful we honestly wondered if they might lift the glass right off the dome before everything had fully cured. To protect our work, we quickly hung a large plastic tarp as a windbreak for the night.

It certainly wasn't an easy day. It demanded patience, teamwork, problem-solving, and more than a few deep breaths. But every challenge taught us something new, and with the very first glass panels finally in place, our dream began its transformation from an aluminum skeleton into the beginning of the crystal-clear GeoDome we had imagined.

Sometimes the hardest days become the most rewarding. This was definitely one of them.

07/06/2026

9/8/2025
There is already such a beautiful feeling in this place. Even though The Sphynx is still under construction, it has become a special part of our daily lives and our work with our quartz crystal lights.

The very center of the GeoDome has become our crystal charging point. This Monday morning we placed some crystals in the center of the dome where they bathe in the morning sunlight for about an hour. This sun bath allows the crystal to charge before going to their new home.

07/06/2026

9/6/2025
The GeoDome's first full moon... on a cold, hazy mountain night. It almost seems as if the dome is trying on a new outfit, wrapped in moonlight and mist, preparing for all the magical nights yet to come.

07/04/2026

I promise I’ll keep adding to this page and share more of the journey as the glass goes onto the dome. But I just had to pause for a magical moment from last night…

Right around midnight, the Creator painted the sky with a breathtaking celestial fireworks display, as if celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. The Northern Lights danced across the heavens in waves of color, and once again the Aurora Borealis left me standing in awe.

Moments like these remind me why we’re building this glass dome. Very soon, we’ll be able to invite others to sit beneath the stars, watch the heavens come alive, and experience the wonder for themselves.

I can hardly wait to share it with you.

06/30/2026

8/25/2025
Another beautiful video captured by the talented David Mayes. He took this after the first full day of building on the GeoDome frame. The two man crew worked all the way until dark, pouring their energy into every piece, and by the time he lifted the drone, it was almost too dark to capture the footage he did.

Even in the fading light, you can already see the form beginning to rise — the vision slowly taking shape on the mountain. One day, this frame will hold glass, stars, stories, and unforgettable moments under the open sky.

06/30/2026

8/25/2025