About Us - SkiesAway

Our Network

We bring over three decades of experience in the consumer telescope industry, as well as many years pursuing astronomy and astrophotography with space enthusiasts of all ages. The SkiesAway team has operated star parties around the world – on top of volcanoes and in the High Sierra to the darkest deserts and urban backyards. We appreciate the unique experience each location brings. Over the years we have created custom telescope setups for universities, world-renowned physicists, and family households alike. Our unique blend of event, telescope, and astronomy experience allows us to provide you a terrific show of the night sky.

Viewing Saturn, the Moon, or the Andromeda Galaxy through a capable telescope is an iconic experience. Guests walk away with a new appreciation for the depth and wonder our skies have to offer and we look forward to sharing the experience with you.

Bryan CogdellFounder

Bryan is an astrophotographer and telescope expert with two decades of experience in the consumer telescope industry. Bryan has provided technical expertise, telescope selection, and telescope set-up for projects around the world. He has traveled and backpacked through California to find the best dark sky sites for his “weekend warrior imaging” and has given astronomy talks to audiences of all ages. He is thrilled to be able offer remote telescope access to his dark sky retreat in California’s central coast, and his expertise, to our clients.

Desirae Vanek CogdellCo-Founder

Desirae is Bryan’s partner and collaborator. Desirae has a background in non-profit management and as a professional fundraiser for astronomy and space sciences. She manages many of the behind the scenes aspects of SkiesAway’s remote observatory, including administrative support and communications. Desirae earned an MPhil in Literature from the University of Cambridge and a BA in English from UC Berkeley.

Jarred DonkersleyWriter, Photographer and Tour Guide

Jarred is a science communicator, amateur astronomer, landscape astrophotographer, and printmaker originally from Arizona. Championing dark sky conservation and a more visceral, spatial awareness of our place in the solar system and Milky Way, Donkersley utilizes spoken and written interpretation of the night sky and visual presentation of the culture of space in outreach events, photography workshops, on social media, gallery shows, and on his website, darkskymatters.com.

Michelle MeskillBrand Relations and Event Specialist

Growing up in Orlando, Florida with the soundtrack of sonic booms from Kennedy Space Center in her backyard, Michelle became fascinated with the universe and traveling the planet at a very early age. Her interest in space followed her to Los Angeles, where she took her first look at Saturn through the large telescope at Griffith Observatory, and she was officially hooked. Now with over 13 years of experience in the consumer telescope industry directing marketing, event planning, fundraising for non-profits and traveling the world, Michelle is excited to bring the wonders of the universe to you too!

Testimonials

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with the SkiesAway team for a number of years putting events together on public lands throughout the country. The first thing that stands out is approachability. These were events catering to astronomy and/or outdoor experts and newbies alike, often commingled. The team met every “personality” need, while maintaining a sense of purpose and focus on clarity, education and preservation. Events are always expertly managed which enables visitors to come away touched by the experience of authenticity.

Dark Skies are a deeply important part of maintaining relevance for public lands. I can’t wait to see how SkiesAway brings them closer to more people!”

Alex Frenkel – American Park Network

“Had a fantastic time getting my astronomy on with great people and clear skies!”

Jason Thomas

“This incredible gathering culminated in the most eerie and ominous total solar eclipse I’ve seen. I’ve seen two other eclipses, but this one impacted me most with shivers and awe coursing through my body. I could easily identify with those of eons past who thought the universe was coming to an end. It was incredible and terrible at the same time!

If it hadn’t been for Michelle Meskill’s genius in organizing, communicating, and encouraging all of us to come, I wouldn’t have driven the 1,000 miles (15 hours behind the wheel). For certain, I would have missed out on a most extraordinary and fun multi day experience. Thank you, Michelle, Jarred and colleagues of Skies Away and Slooh. What an outstanding job you did!”

Don Weisbrod