Big Bear Stargazing
Take in the night sky sky above and connect with our local astronomers.
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
2026 New Moons - Best Stargazing Times!
When the Moon and Sun sit on the same side of the Earth, the Moon is not visible in the night sky. This is known as New Moon and is the best time to enjoy stargazing. Sourced from TheSkyLive.com
April 17
May 16
June 15
July 14
August 12 - Plus Solar Eclipse!
September 11
October 10
November 9
December 9
Dark Sky Week: April 13 - 20
Enjoy Dark Sky Week in Big Bear
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night. From the darkness needed for a restful night’s sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night plays a crucial role in protecting healthy wildlife ecosystems, advancing science and exploration, preserving cultural knowledge, and much more. This Dark Sky Week, we invite you to join in the fun by taking meaningful actions to protect the night. Want to learn more about the growing global movement to protect the night? Visit IDSW.DarkSky.org
Sidewalk Astronomy
Sidewalk Astronomy
Join the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society in The Village in front of Barrel 33 for FREE telescope stargazing. Disclaimer - Events are weather permitting, Check here for cancellations.
Location: 40754 Village Dr.
2026 Dates & Times:
- April 25; 7 PM - 9 PM
- May 25; 7 PM - 9 PM
- June 21; 7 PM - 9 PM
- July 19; 7 PM - 9 PM
- August 16; 7 PM - 9 PM
- September 19; 7 PM - 9 PM
- October 18; 7 PM - 9 PM
- November 15; 5 PM - 8 PM
- December 19; 5 PM - 8 PM
2026 Stargazing Must-Sees
Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky!
Meteor Showers:
April 22: Peak Lyrid meteor shower viewing
May 6: Peak Eta Aquarid meteor shower viewing
August 13: Peak Perseids meteor shower viewing
October 21: Peak Orionid meteor shower viewing
November 17: Peak Leonid meteor shower viewing
December 14: Peak Geminid meteor shower viewing
Eclipses
August 12: Total Solar Eclipse
August 28: Partial Lunar Eclipse
Big Bear Solar Observatory Tours
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.
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.