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
2025 New Moons - Best Stargazing Times!
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
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March 29
April 27
May 27
June 25
July 24
Stargazing Must-Sees
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.
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 Lyrids is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, discovered in 1861. 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. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
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.
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
- 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.
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.