Winter is the perfect time to marvel at the wonders of the night sky in Twentynine Palms. From dazzling meteor showers to serene moonlit nights and a breathtaking total lunar eclipse, this guide highlights the most exciting celestial events of the season. Bundle up and get ready to experience the magic of the desert skies this winter!
December 21: Winter Solstice
The shortest day and longest night of the year mark the official start of winter! As the sun sets early, the desert skies provide even more time to stargaze and enjoy the celestial sights above Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park.
December 21-22: Ursid Meteor Shower Peak
The Ursids, a modest meteor shower with about 5-10 meteors per hour, peak right after the winter solstice. The bright flashes will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, and with the moon mostly out of the way, this is a lovely opportunity to catch some winter shooting stars.
December 25: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
On Christmas morning, Mercury will shine brightly in the pre-dawn sky, reaching its greatest distance from the Sun. This is an excellent chance to spot the elusive planet low on the eastern horizon before sunrise.
December 30: New Moon
Close out 2024 with a moonless night, perfect for stargazing! The new moon guarantees dark skies, providing an ideal backdrop to explore constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects visible in the winter months.
January Highlights
January 3-4: Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
The Quadrantids are a standout among annual meteor showers, often producing up to 100 meteors per hour during their brief but intense peak. Best viewed after midnight, these meteors are known for their bright, blueish streaks—perfect for desert stargazers.
January 4: Earth at Perihelion
On this day, Earth will be at its closest point to the Sun in its orbit. While not visually dramatic, it’s a fun reminder of our planet’s journey through the cosmos.
January 10: Venus at Greatest Elongation East
Venus will shine brilliantly in the evening sky, appearing as a dazzling “evening star” after sunset. The desert’s open horizons make it easy to spot the planet as it gleams low in the west.
January 13: Wolf Moon
The first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon, will light up the desert landscape with its silvery glow. This is a perfect opportunity for moonlit hikes or photography under the vast winter sky.
January 16: Mars at Opposition
Mars will be at its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual. Look for its reddish glow high in the night sky, a striking sight in the clear winter air.
January 29: New Moon
Another moonless night offers pristine stargazing conditions. Don’t miss the chance to spot constellations like Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades shining brilliantly above the High Desert.
February Highlights
February 12: Snow Moon
The Snow Moon, February’s full moon, will bathe the desert in soft light, offering a stunning contrast to the rugged landscape of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park.
February 28: New Moon
Enjoy one more perfect night for stargazing this month, with no moonlight to dim the stars. It’s a great time to explore winter constellations before the seasons change.
March Highlights
March 8: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
Catch Mercury in the evening sky just after sunset, glowing brightly near the horizon. This marks one of the best chances of the year to spot the elusive planet!
March 13-14: Total Lunar Eclipse
One of winter’s most exciting celestial events! On March 13-14, the Earth will cast its shadow across the Moon, creating a breathtaking total lunar eclipse. The moon will take on a reddish hue, known as the “blood moon,” making it a must-see event in the clear desert skies.
March 14: Worm Moon
The Worm Moon, March’s full moon, marks the transition from winter to spring. Rising large and luminous, it’s a stunning way to bid farewell to the winter stargazing season.
Plan Your Winter Stargazing Adventure in Twentynine Palms
This winter, escape to Twentynine Palms for a stargazing adventure like no other. Whether you’re watching meteor showers, photographing full moons, or experiencing a total lunar eclipse, our desert skies are sure to inspire wonder! For an immersive stargazing experience, be sure to visit Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, where you can join expert-led telescope viewings and astronomy programs under some of the darkest skies in Southern California. Book a private stargazing experience or astrophotography workshop with the 29 Palms Astronomy Club, or explore the desert with Joshua Tree Adventures, offering nightly guided sky tours in Joshua Tree National Park!
Plan your visit today and book your stay in Twentynine Palms—where you’ll find it all, from national brand hotels and historic inns to boutique motels, stunning vacation rentals, and the area’s largest RV resort. Experience the unmatched beauty of the night sky in Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park.