Big Bear Stargazing
Take in the night skies above us
Big Bear Lake sits in an ideal location for stargazing and night sky photography. Away from the bright, big city lights and at its high altitude, the night skies over the Big Bear valley stay dark enough to view constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way!
However, the beautiful night sky is what we make it. Help us conserve our dark skies by turning off unneeded lights and limiting landscape lighting when the sun goes down. Not only will you make the night sky better, you'll be conserving energy as well!
The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Celestial Events & Fun
Big Bear Solar Observatory Tours
Tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory! Reservations are required, please call 909-866-5791 x210 or email erika.norro@njit.edu or use the link below. Tours are FREE but donations are welcome.
Perseid Star Party
Spend the evening gazing at the beautiful night sky! The annual Perseid Star Party hosted by Big Bear Astronomical Society welcomes stargazers with multiple telescopes for viewing planets, stars, and celestial phenomena. This event also coincides with the Perseid meteor shower so be on the lookout for shooting starts!
Stay tuned for 2025 event info.
Big Bear Blackout
In tandem with the Perseid Star Party, Care For Big Bear invites everyone to help preserve our night skies. We invite everyone to switch off unused and unnecessary lighting - namely landscape and exterior lighting - after dark to preserve Big Bear's amazing stargazing opportunities. Next, head outside and enjoy the natural landscape above.
Astronomical Society Monthly Meetings
The Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6 PM via Zoom. The public is welcome to join us, chime in or just listen.
Find Zoom link for the next upcoming meeting >>> HERE
Big Bear Stargazing 101
What's the Best Way to View the Night Sky?
- Find a location away from bright lights with a wide view of the sky.
- It will take your eyes about 10-15 minutes to adapt to the dark. Use a red flashlight to keep your dark adaption intact.
- If you are new to stargazing, use a pair of binoculars. Many celestial objects are visible with binoculars, including the moon and planets.
- Download a stargazing app to help you navigate the sky above.
Start your star search with The Sky Live, and view astronomical events the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society website.
Big Bear's Night Sky Advocates
Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society
BBVAS is a group of Big Bear locals who come together to share the joy, wonder and science of Astronomy. They welcome all levels of astronomers in the Big Bear Valley.
- BBVAS meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 6 PM via Zoom
- They hold monthly star parties at the Big Bear Discovery Center on Saturdays closest to the new moon
- They hold Sidewalk Astronomy events in The Village on Saturdays closest to the first quarter moon.
- Both events are held during the Spring and Summer months only and weather permitting.
For further information please contact Vatch Arouchian at AstroVatch@gmail.com or visit bearvalleyastronomers.org.
Big Bear Solar Observatory
One of Big Bear's iconic landmarks is the Solar Observatory, operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The telescopes on the premises are specially made for observing and studying the Sun.
The Observatory offers public tours of the grounds in the summer months.
2024 Tours:
- June 13, 2024 to Sept 30, 2024 on every other Thursday
- Tours run 2 PM - 3 PM
- Tours are FREE but donations are welcome
- Tours available at limited capacity
- Tours not recommended for children under 5 years
- Reserve your tour by calling 909-866-5791 X210 or fill out this form
Care For Big Bear
Big Bear is a prime location for stargazing, but only if we keep it that way.
Care For Big Bear invites everyone to take part in the Dark Sky Initiative and help the valley preserve its Dark Skies by switching off unused lights at night - landscape lighting, outdoor lights, and bright indoor lights.