Meet us under the stars in 29 Palms, California this summer for otherworldly stargazing experiences!
From viewing the Milky Way to watching the sky come to life during meteor shower peaks, to free programs at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center and Ranger-led evening programs in Joshua Tree National Park, we’ve rounded up some of the best summer stargazing experiences! Plan your visit to 29 Palms and come discover the beauty of our night sky.
Marvel at the Milky Way
The Milky Way’s vast expanse of stars has captivated people’s attention for years and to stand beneath it is an experience that is both humbling and inspiring, and one that will stay with you for a lifetime!
A summer visit to the desert offers many their very first opportunity to see the Milky Way, something that nearly a third of the world’s population can no longer do. July and August are some of the best months of the year to come out to the desert to see the Milky Way as it’s farther away from the sun and is visible throughout the night, with its core shining bright. You need a dark night sky to see it, and there’s no better place in southern California than 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park. With such little light pollution, you can see the stars and constellations so clearly that it feels like you can reach out and touch them.
Watch as Meteor Showers light up the summer night sky!
Get ready, the Southern Delta Aquariids and Perseids meteor showers are coming this summer, and these offer some of the best meteor viewing experiences of the year!
First up is the Southern Delta Aquariids which begin to be active around mid-July, and last through to early August, just as the Perseids begin to shine. The Delta Aquariids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour, and get their name from the constellation Aquarius, where they originate from and where the radiance of the shower lies. Best viewed on a Moonless night and lucky for us this year, the Moon will be in its new phase and below the horizon line during the peak viewing period this summer. Mark your calendars – the peak this summer for the Delta Aquariids is expected to be in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, July 30.
With up to 100 meteors per hour during its peak, the Perseids meteor shower is considered one of the absolute best shows of the year! From their climatic builds right before their peak, to their quick fall off concluding their shower, the Perseid meteors are sights to see! As the night progresses into morning, Perseid meteors will typically increase in number, making the best time to view the shower a few hours before dawn, on August 13, just before the Moon sets.
Explore deep space at a Night Sky Program at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
Take in spectacular views of far away galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and more, at an upcoming night sky program at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center this summer!
Each month, on the Saturday closest to the new moon, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center hosts a free night sky program and constellation tour lead by docents and visiting astronomers. These monthly programs typically last for two hours and start about an hour after sunset. Views from the observatory’s Celestron telescope are displayed on a 75″ monitor outside of the observatory’s dome, complimented by engaging commentary by the docents and visiting astronomers, offering a fun and educational experience for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts of all ages!
Located at 9697 Utah Trail, right in front of the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center’s campus is one of the very best locations for stargazing during your visit to 29 Palms! The next night sky programs will be hosted on Saturday, August 19 and Saturday, September 16, and those wishing to bring their own observing and photography equipment are always welcome.
Learn more about Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center’s upcoming events and save the date – the 8th annual Night Sky Festival will be returning October 13-14!
Evening Programs at Jumbo Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park
Relax under the stars while enjoying an evening program with Park Rangers at the amphitheater in Jumbo Rocks campground and learn about the fascinating features of Joshua Tree National Park this summer!
This free, 45-minute weekly program starts at 8:00pm each Saturday in July and August, with topics ranging from astronomy, park wildlife, history, and more, offering a great opportunity to learn about the park while sitting back and watching the night sky come to life. Ranger programs are free and do not require reservation or registration – just simply show up and enjoy the program!
Learn more about all the great Ranger Programs offered in Joshua Tree National Park this summer and start planning your summer adventure to southern California’s iconic International Dark Sky Park! Visiting in the summer season requires extra preparations so be sure to read through the summer guide for helpful tips and planning resources.
Plan your stargazing adventure with us in 29 Palms
Book your stay in 29 Palms and stay in comfort and style this summer, choosing from the area’s biggest and best variety of lodging! You’ll find it all here, from unique and historic inn and motels, national brand hotels, the area’s largest RV resort, and a vibrant collection of vacation rentals. And no matter where you book, you’ll be minutes from the observatory and north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park!
Tags: Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower, International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree National Park Evening Programs, Milky Way, Perseids Meteor Shower, Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, Stargazing, Stargazing in 29 Palms California, Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park, Summer Stargazing
