Big Bear Stargazing
Take in the Night Sky 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
When the Moon is located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, it will not be visible in the night sky. This is known as New Moon and is the best time of the month to observe celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere. Sourced from SeaSky.org
January 29
February 28
March 29
April 27
May 27
June 25
July 24
Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky! Sourced from SeaSky.org
January 16 - Mars at Opposition
Mars will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars.
February 28 - Planetary Alignment
Stargazers have the chance to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune line up across the sky just after dusk on Fri, Feb 28, 2025. This phenomenon will be short-lived so don't miss it! Look to the West after the Sun sets and have some good binoculars or a telescope ready!
March 8 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
March 14 - Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow, or umbra. During this eclipse, the Moon will get darker and take on a rusty, red color. The eclipse will be visible throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
April 22 & 23 - Lyrids Meteor Shower
The shower runs annually in April and this year peaks on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd. Meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.
May 6 & 7 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak, however in the Northern Hemisphere the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.
July 28 & 29 - Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquarids shower runs annually from July 12 to August 23. It peaks this year on the night of July 28 and morning of July 29. The crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight.
August 12 & 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It peaks this year on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13.
Sidewalk Astronomy
On select dates, the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society sets up telescopes on the sidewalk in front of Barrel 33 in The Village for a FREE public stargaze meet and greet. Located at 40754 Village Dr.
Disclaimer: Events are weather permitting. Check here for cancellations.
2025 Dates:
- May 3 from 7 PM – 9 PM – In the Village
- May 31 from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - In the Village
- July 5 from 8 PM - 10 PM - In the Village
- August 2 from 8 PM - 10 PM - In the Village
Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society will be setting up telescopes at one of their favorite dark sky sites - The High Chaparal. The public is welcome to join and mingle under the stars and look through the telescopes, or bring your own! Binoculars also work well.
Address: 76C5+F3V Baldwin Lake. This venue is a dirt cul-de-sac and not designed for large groups, we ask all attendees to be respectful and quiet in this area. Map this location
Disclosure: This event is weather permitting.
2025 Dates:
- June 21 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
- July 26 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
- August 23 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
Happening: August 9, 8:30 PM – 11 PM at Ski Beach Park located at 41216 Park Ave.
The Perseid Star Party hosted by Big Bear Astronomical Society celebrates the annual Perseid Meteor Shower with multiple telescopes for viewing planets, stars, and celestial phenomena. The public is invited and it's FREE to attend and enjoy - bring your family and friends, jackets, blankets and a chairs.
Tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory! Reservations are required, please call 909-866-5791 x210 or email norro@njit.edu or use the link below. Tours are FREE but donations are welcome.
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
Catch the Planetary Parade on Friday, February 28!
Stargazers have the chance to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune line up across the sky just after dusk on Fri, Feb 28, 2025.
Look to the West after the Sun sets and have some good binoculars or a telescope ready! Find a spot free of light pollution and a wide view of the horizon without obstructions like trees or tall buildings.
The planetary alignment is expected to conclude on Friday evening, though this time will vary based on the viewer's location.
Don't miss out!
Big Bear Stargazing 101
- 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.