The Tecopa Star Party is one of the most astounding and unique experiences in the area.

Saturday night, the group of stargazers was composed of very knowledgeable astronomy buffs and casually interested people alike.

Amy Noel and Dominik Daileda, from Tecopa, are the two people on site who put the party together for everyone to enjoy. The stargazing event is located directly behind the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort office and Pastels Bistro on an elevated, flat area. The viewing starts at dusk and goes on until 10 or 11 o'clock at night.

The star-gazing takes place through a 14-inch reflective Celestron scope projected to a screen for all to view from the comfort of folding chairs and blankets.

The images are accompanied by new age music.

The group views stars, comets, spiral galaxies and planetary nebulas, to name a few. A microphone is available for narrating if the group is large, and if the group is small, Noel can personally explain the view. Some of the information she shared included the name and the type of the deep space objects, how far away they are and how many light years across.

Noel, of the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort, has been described as "a woman of all seasons" by some and is an expert at creating a warm and hospitable environment, evident in her work at restoring the Hot Springs Resort, on which she has worked continually for several years.

She also worked at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, Calif., for 18 years before following her dream to the Tecopa desert. She is no stranger to offering amazing experiences to those who seek them.

Some people at the party are from Tecopa and Pahrump, while others travel from Las Vegas or other nearby cities. Every party is a little different, depending on the mix of people. Sometimes there are lots of kids, other times dancing.

It is definitely a family appropriate event for school-aged children and older. The stargazing may run a little late for the very small ones. On a recent Saturday, the party lasted past 11 p.m.

Daileda is a little more shy, preferring to help by positioning and repositioning the camera all night and sharing the information from the camera with Noel, who then announces it on the microphone.

He is adamant about not being in the spotlight, but is no less social or charismatic as he works the telescope.

Guests wander back behind the projection screen to marvel at the size and magnitude of the scope and to chat with Daileda about it. He is incredibly knowledgeable about astral bodies and their viewing.

The star gazing is right behind Pastels Bistro, another gem in the desert.

People wander up and down between the restaurant and the viewing as they like. The restaurant was packed on Saturday night. Not only were there local residents and star party clients who strolled over for dinner or a snack, but of course an international tourist presence from the Death Valley National Park.

An art café, the bistro showcases and sells local works. David Washum, one of the three chefs and a partner in the business, is responsible for the interior design and says that it is coming together slowly.

The decor is eclectic, brimming with local flavor and character.

Washum brings his own warm and friendly character to the scene, helping to make it a welcoming oasis of hospitality in the desert, a perfect compliment to the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.

The stargazing party has its origins with Astrochannels.com. The group is dedicated to the broadcast of live digital videos of deep space. It broadcasts from the Salt Lake Desert, from Lake Mead, and from Tecopa.

Last winter the group came to Tecopa, looking for a warmer winter viewing location from which to webcast and found Noel and Daileda in Tecopa. The group left their telescopes and equipment with the mission of keeping the stargazing going. Last summer the webcasting was disabled but Daileda and Noel are both optimistic that it will be reinstated. It did not affect the star party on-site viewing, however, which continued as usual.

The star party is usually held every month on the weekend closest to the new moon, when the skies are darkest. Noel and Daileda are committed to keeping the parties going through the spring, but are unsure about what will happen after that. They are hoping to have the big 28-inch telescope for the January party.

Star party donations are welcome, but the viewing is otherwise free. Bring a folding chair and flashlight. There are rooms available at the Hot Springs Resort and camping is also available. A soak in the hot springs is available, as always, and calling Karin Pine for a therapeutic and relaxing massage is an option. She may be reached at 760-852-4478.

Take the bikes or go for a hike in the area -- there are plenty of trails for either.

Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements for the star party in Tecopa, or call the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort for more information: 760-852-4420.