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!
Get your telescopes and binoculars ready, 2023 is set to be another exciting year for celestial events! From meteor showers and supermoons, to fascinating planetary oppositions and a solar eclipse, there’s a lot to look forward to in the night sky in 2023, and no better place to take it all in than from 29 Palms, California.
Before we get into all the exciting upcoming celestial events to add to your calendar, here’s three reasons why 29 Palms is the perfect year-round stargazing destination in southern California:
1. Stay minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, an official International Dark Sky Park
As a proud recipient of the International Dark Sky Association’s prestigious Dark Sky Park designation in 2017, Joshua Tree National Park boasts some of the darkest skies in southern California and regardless of which hotel, RV resort, or vacation rental you book in 29 Palms, you’ll be staying just minutes from the park’s main north entrance and spectacular, year-round night sky viewing. With nearly 800,000-acres to roam, minimal light pollution, advantageous elevation gains, and clean, crisp air, the stars pop in the night sky, making this iconic national park a hotspot for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.
2. Take in the night from Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, recently ranked by AAA as one of the Best Stargazing Locations in the West.
There’s no better place in 29 Palms to spend the evening under the stars than at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center! Ranked by AAA as one of the Best Destinations in the West for stargazing and astronomy, and sharing a border with Joshua Tree National Park, this 15-acre campus features an observatory dome that houses a 14” Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, an Orrery representing a true-to-scale and position model of the Solar System at 20 billion to 1, a solar calendar/sundial that marks the hours as well as the solstices and equinoxes, plus a Meditation garden based on Zen design principles. To learn more, and start planning your visit, check out www.skysthelimit29.org
3. Discover the night sky the way it was meant to be seen with a private stargazing experience with the 29 Palms Astronomy Club.
Whatever time of year you plan your visit to 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park, the 29 Palms Astronomy Club is ready to bring the epic grandeur of the night sky to you, from the comfort and privacy of your campsite, hotel, vacation rental, or place of residence. The 29 Palms Astronomy Club offers private night sky presentations, led by passionate and expert astronomers who provide fun and interactive cosmic tours of the stunning night sky with high-powered telescopes, providing you with the opportunity to experience the night sky the way it was meant to be seen. To learn more, visit 29palmsastronomy.
January 3-4: Quadrantid Meteor Shower Peak
January 6: Full Moon (Wolf Moon)
January 21: New Moon
January 30: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
February 6: Full Moon (Snow Moon)
February 20: New Moon
March 7: Full Moon (Worm Moon)
March 20: Spring Equinox
March 21: New Moon
April 6: Full Moon (Pink Moon)
April 11: Mercury at Greatest Easton Elongation
April 20: New Moon
April 22-23: Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak
May 5: Full Moon (Flower Moon)
May 5-6: Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peak
May 19: New Moon
May 29: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
June 3: Full Moon (Strawberry Moon)
June 4: Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
June 18: New Moon
June 21: Summer Solstice
July 3: Full Moon (Supermoon/Buck Moon)
July 17: New Moon
July 29-30: Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peak
August 1: Full Moon (Supermoon/Sturgeon Moon)
August 10: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
August 12-13: Perseid Meteor Shower Peak
August 16: New Moon
August 27: Saturn at Opposition
August 30: Full Moon (Supermoon/Blue Moon)
September 15: New Moon
September 19: Neptune at Opposition
September 22: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
September 23: Autumn Equinox
September 29: Full Moon (Supermoon/Harvest Moon)
October 8-10: Draconid Meteor Shower Peak
October 14: New Moon
October 14: Solar Eclipse
October 20-21: Orionid Meteor Shower Peak
October 23: Venus at Greatest Western Elongation
October 28: Full Moon (Hunter’s Moon)
November 3: Jupiter at Opposition
November 5: South Taurid Meteor Shower Peak
November 13: New Moon
November 12: North Taurid Meteor Shower Peak
November 13: Uranus at Opposition
November 17-18: Leonid Meteor Shower Peak
November 27: Full Moon (Beaver Moon)
December 4: Mercury at Greatest Easter Elongation
December 12: New Moon
December 13-14: Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
December 21-22: Ursid Meteor Shower Peak
December 22: Winter Solstice
December 26: Full Moon (Cold Moon)
Visitors to Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center’s star party on Saturday, November 16 will be treated to a very special presentation of the cosmos with guest video astronomers and astrophotographers. This free, public event is sponsored by Visit 29 Palms, and will begin around 5:30pm and last approximately two hours.
Jim O’Connor from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be joined by Peter Ilott, a full-time rocket engineer and part-time astronomer; Jed Orme, an amateur photographer venturing into astrophotography; and Jerome and Debbie Womack, amateur astronomers experimenting with a variety of astrophotography equipment.
Often termed Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) or Near Real Time Video (NRTV), the eyepiece of a telescope is replaced by an integrating video camera that shows celestial objects “live” on some type of monitor or projection device, conveying the imagery in color rather than shades of gray. Guest astronomers will be using this new technology to provide visitors a creative and colorful way to explore the cosmos, and in some cases to process the images captured.
Sky’s The Limit volunteers will also have a variety of telescopes set up for guests to use along the winding sidewalks, and always encourage guests to bring their own binoculars and scopes as well. The presentation is very casual, so come at any time and leave when you wish.
For more information about Sky’s The Limit, and to see photos taken through STL’s 14” Celestron Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope, visit www.skysthelimit29.org.
Book your overnight stay in 29 Palms and choose from a wide variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, plus find lots of fantastic restaurants and shops just minutes away from Sky’s The Limit Observatory!
Moon rises at 8:22 pm (84.5%). Sunset 4:39 pm. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE.
Prominent constellations: Pegasus the Flying Horse, Lyra the Harp, Cygnus the Swan, Aquila the Eagle, and Aquarius the Water Bearer.
In honor of Latino Conservation Week, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center in 29 Palms presents La Luna Desvela, a special wildlife interactive talk with Native American storytelling and Tribal history, offered in Spanish, English, and ASL.
This special event at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center on Saturday, July 20 is presented in partnership with the Mojave Desert Land Trust and The Wildlands Conservancy as part of Latino Conservation Week 2019.
Join us in 29 Palms at 8:30pm at Sky’s The Limit Observatory stage for “La Luna Desvela: The Moon Reveals,” honoring Latino Conservation Week. This special program is offered in Spanish and English, and features Native American stories told by Blanca Villalobos, Whitewater Preserve’s Education Coordinator. The program will close with music in Spanish, English, and Latin American indigenous languages as the moon rises. Guests are encouraged to linger under the desert night sky.
Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center is located in 29 Palms at 9697 Utah Trail in 29 Palms, just outside of the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Learn more about upcoming special events and book your stay in 29 Palms at one of our hotels, motels, or vacation home rentals!
Join us this summer in 29 Palms and discover the Mojave Desert’s stunning dark night skies bursting with stars and dazzling meteor showers, and a breathtaking Milky Way!
From constellation tours and star parties at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, to upcoming solar and lunar eclipses, and evening programs at Joshua Tree National Park – an officially designated IDA International Dark Sky Park – there are incredible stargazing opportunities awaiting you in 29 Palms this summer. Plan your summer visit today!
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
Star Parties at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
9697 Utah Trail, 29 Palms, CA 92277
Free public star parties are offered every Saturday, except on nights when the moon is full. Explore deep space with knowledgeable and passionate astronomers, learn about the prominent constellations and have your breath taken away by the summer milky way! Star parties start
about an hour after sunset and last approximately two hours.
Book a private stargazing party with the 29 Palms Astronomy Club
Whether you’re looking to spend an evening under the stars in Joshua Tree National Park or from the comfort of the patio of your hotel or vacation rental, the 29 Palms Astronomy Club will come to you! They offer fantastic private stargazing experiences, and cover the national park as well as the entire Morongo Basin area.
Discover the night sky in Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive, 29 Palms, CA 92277
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, Joshua Tree National Park offers spectacular stargazing opportunities throughout the year, boasting some of the darkest skies in southern California. Relax under the stars at one of the evening programs hosted at Jumbo Rocks Campground, every Saturday from 8:30pm – 9:30pm from June 1 – August 19, 2019.
Bring a red-light flashlight – Avoid standard flashlights and headlamps with bright white light and either purchase a red-light flashlight, or convert your regular flashlight by coloring it with a red sharpie or covering it with red cellophane.
Bring warm layers – Be prepared for temperatures to drop quickly in the evening so be sure to bring extra layers of warm clothing.
Pack food and water – Don’t let a rumbling stomach distract you from enjoying the stars, or assume you won’t need water. The Mojave Desert is an extremely dry and hot place, even on summer evenings so bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
Bring a comfortable chair – Since you’ll be spending a long evening looking up into the sky you’ll want to have a lightweight camping chair to give your legs a break from standing, and so you can sit back and enjoy the show, especially during meteor shower peaks!
Avoid stargazing when the moon is full – Check the moon’s phase and try and get out during the new moon phase in order to see the stars at their brightest!
For more information and inspiration on stargazing in southern California, tune in to the first-ever Road Trips: Searching for Stars episode of the California Now Podcast as host Soterios Johnson gets out of the studio and explores Southern California’s awe-inspiring night sky!
Be sure to pick up a copy of the special road trip issue:
California Road Trips: 50 Life-Changing Adventures
Discover vibrant art galleries and outdoor murals, fascinating lecture series and cultural programs, plus art and music festivals – all happening this spring in 29 Palms!
Shakti Fest
May 9 – 13, 2019.
Shakti Fest is a 4-day festival hosted in celebration of the devotional paths of yoga, Kirtan (sacred music), and meditation, and places a special emphasis on the Divine Feminine. This bi-annual, drug and alcohol-free festival features an incredible line-up of world renown spiritual teachers, sacred music, premiere yoga classes, and conscious workshops, all set in the beautiful high desert.
Joshua Tree Music Festival
May 16 – 19, 2019.
Experience 4 days and nights of phenomenal live music, inspiring art, yoga, and workshops, in a family-friendly environment that promotes passionate creativity, community empowerment, and arts education for all ages at the bi-annual Joshua Tree Music Festival. This family inclusive global music experience in the magical Mojave desert was founded in 2003 with a mission to foster social interaction on a deep level, creating positive life-changing moments, and takes places every May and October.
Full Moon Cultural Series
Bobby Jo Jackson: The Revival
May 18, 2019.
Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
New this year, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center is offering a Full Moon Cultural Series, exploring how diverse cultures understand the significance of the desert, earth, and sky. These special gatherings take place on full moon Saturdays under the bright desert moon. Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center is pleased to present its next Full Moon Cultural program with Bobby Jo Jackson: The Revival, on Saturday, May 18.
Step back in time at the Old Schoolhouse Museum
Explore the rich history of our city at the Old Schoolhouse Museum, hosted by the 29 Palms Historical Society. Tour the museum’s collection and learn about this history of the Serrano and Chemehuevi Native America tribes, the miners, ranchers, and cattlemen, to the pioneering homesteaders who played instrumental roles in developing this community, as well as the establishment of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at 29 Palms.
The Old Schoolhouse Museum also hosts the Second Friday Lecture Series, presented by the Desert Institute through the Joshua Tree National Park Association.
Art Cruise 29!
Explore 5 vibrant art galleries and 5 unique exhibitions showcasing the best from high desert artists, with gallery doors open from mid-morning to after sunset, every 1st Saturday in 29 Palms. From outdoor murals and sculptures, to painting, photography, and mixed media, to opening night receptions, each participating venue offers its own unique experience for art lovers!
Plus don’t miss out on some fantastic art workshops and classes at the
29 Palms Art Gallery:
May 16: Life Drawing
May 17/17: Naked Raku Pottery, Part 1
May 25: Naked Raku Pottery, Part 2
May 30: Life Drawing
Plan your stay in 29 Palms
Choose from the largest variety of lodging options in the area, from national hotels to historic inns and motels, and a great collection of vacation home rentals!
Join us in 29 Palms this March 31 – April 7 for International Dark Sky Week – a worldwide event hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association that celebrates the wonder of our night sky! Founded in 1988, the International Dark-Sky Association works “to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting,” and has hosted the International Dark Sky Week event since 2003.
The theme of the 2019 International Dark Sky Week is “open a window to the night” and we’ve highlighted some special opportunities to do just that this week in and around 29 Palms:
Star Party: Mars and a Bright Open Cluster
Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, 29 Palms, CA
Saturday, April 6, 2019
8:00pm – 10:00pm
The constellation Leo is near zenith (directly overhead) with bright star Regulus. To the east is M66, a bright galaxy that is 21 million light years away. Look further east and find Bootes and the brilliant globular cluster M3. It is 32,000 light years distant. To the left of the Star Regulus, look to the west for the dim constellation Cancer. You will find a great open star cluster M44, commonly called the Beehive – one of the brightest as it is only 538 light years distant. Sunset will be at 7:08pm. Prominent constellations: Leo (The Lion), Virgo (The Virgin), Bootes (The Herdsman), Hydra (The Water Snake), Cancer (The Crab). This is a free event, no registration required.
Learn more about events at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
Find lodging in 29 Palms
Dark Sky Astronomy Program
Mojave National Preserve
Saturday, April 6, 2019
8:00pm – 9:00pm
Join the Dark Sky Ranger to view the magnificent night sky and learn about the importance of the dark sky at the Mojave National Preserve. Meet at 8:00pm at Site #1 at Hole in the Wall Campground, and be sure to bring some warm layers, a flashlight, and a camp chair. This event is free and does not require registration.
Learn more about astronomy programs at the Mojave National Preserve
Find lodging in 29 Palms
Starry Starry Night Evening Program
Joshua Tree National Park
Thursday, April 4, 2019
8:00pm – 8:45pm
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week in an International Dark Sky Park! Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the universe as seen from Joshua Tree National Park. Meet at the Indian Cove Amphitheater, near Site #40 at the end of Indian Cove Road. Bring warm layers, water and snacks, and consider carpooling as parking is limited.
If you have explored Joshua Tree National Park at night you have surely marveled at all those stars, but did you know it’s an official International Dark Sky Park?
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association on August 12, 2017, Joshua Tree National Park boasts some of the darkest night skies in southern California! Defined by the IDA as “a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” Joshua Tree National Park joins 19 other national parks with Dark Sky Park status, and offers visitors an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Learn more about stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
Find lodging in 29 Palms
Save the Date – the 5th annual Night Sky Festival is taking place in 29 Palms on Saturday, September 21, 2019!
Join us in 29 Palms this fall as we celebrate of our stunning night skies! From astronomy lectures and solar telescope viewing, to guided walks with docents and astronomy themed crafts and activities for youth, to the evening star party with astronomers and 20+ telescopes, this festival offers fun for the whole family! Located just outside the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center hosts the majority of the Night Sky Festival events, and will open ticket sales in the summer. Learn more about the Night Sky Festival, and book your stay in 29 Palms today.
