Exploring the night sky in Joshua Tree National Park with former NASA alien hunter Dr. Gary Blackwood
Published November 2, 2026 08:41AM
What’s on the outside of outer space? Nobody knows, not even a guy who spent 36 years at NASA.
Paddy heads to the Reset Hotel outside Joshua Tree National Park to stargaze with Dr. Gary Blackwood, aerospace engineer, former NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program leader, and (yes) alien hunter. We get into why he’s convinced we’re not alone, how telescopes can sniff out breathing planets from light years away, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the Belt of Venus, a Hurricane Hilary backpacking mishap, a lightning round (quasars vs. pulsars vs. Jar Jar), and what Blackwood would ask visiting aliens first.
The Reset Hotel, part of Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, is a modern desert escape. It’s the perfect place to recalibrate, reconnect, and reset between adventures. It also makes an ideal retreat for your own dark sky explorations, with onsite telescope viewing and guided stargazing experiences.
ABOUT OUTDOOR COLLECTION BY MARRIOTT BONVOY
The Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy is a curated portfolio of properties that are immersed in nature. Our properties are set in stunning natural locations that bring adventure right to your door. They blend comfortable amenities like hot showers and cozy beds with stunning natural landscapes. As the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy plans for additional growth, guests can look forward to discovering new ways to stay – from cozy cabins, to ecolodges and clear domes designed for star-gazing. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com/brands/outdoor-collection.mi. The Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
