Stargazing in Borrego Springs

A True Dark Sky Experience in Anza-Borrego

Why Borrego Springs is Ideal for Stargazing

Borrego Springs is one of the few certified International Dark Sky Communities in the world. Located in the heart of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, it offers unmatched access to natural darkness, clear skies and a front-row seat to the universe.

With no stoplights, low development and community-supported lighting standards, this is one of the best places in California to experience the night sky.

To discover what to see in the Borrego sky, click here.

For stargazing tips, click here.

Where to Stargaze in Borrego Springs

Below is a map of some of the best stargazing locations in Borrego Springs. 

Sky Calendar

Sky Calendar: February - March 2026

By Dr. Randolph Baron

Beginning of FebSunrise 6:40 a.m., Sunset 5:17 p.m. PST
Feb 18, WedConjunction of Moon and Mercury visible at 5:51 p.m. 12 degrees above western horizon (use binos)
Feb 19, ThursConjunction of Moon and Saturn visible by 6:08 p.m. 20 degrees above western horizon
Beginning of MarSunrise 6:13 a.m., Sunset 5:42 p.m. PST
Mar 3, TuesTotal lunar eclipse! See below.
Mar 3, TuesFull “Worm” moon rise 6:16 p.m.
Mar 8, SunDaylight savings time begins 2 a.m., set clocks ahead by 1 hour
Mar 20, FriConjunction of two-day-old Moon and Venus visible at 7:12 p.m., 12 degrees above west horizon
Mar 20, FriVernal Equinox at 7:46 a.m. Spring begins in northern hemisphere
Mar 26, ThursConjunction of Moon and Jupiter visible at 7:17 p.m., 78 degrees above SE horizon
March 31, TuesSunrise 6:34 a.m., Sunset 7:05 p.m. PDT

THE PLANETS IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Mercury is an evening planet in February, reaching its greatest height above western horizon February 19, when it will be around 18 degrees above the western horizon at sunset.  In March, it will be too close to the sun for safe viewing.

Venus is an evening planet in the west, setting 30 minutes after the sun in early February, but setting later each day. By early March, Venus doesn’t set for 70 minutes after the sun.

Mars is too close to the sun to view in February and March. 

Jupiter remains a brilliant evening/night time object visible both months.

Saturn is an evening object in early February, and setting earlier each day, getting lost in twilight glare by mid-month.

A total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3. The Moon will enter the lighter part of the Earth’s shadow (penumbra) at 12:44 a.m. It can be difficult to spot the subtle changes on the Moon while it is in this lighter shadow. It will enter darker part of the Earth’s shadow (umbra) at 1:50 a.m., and the partial eclipse will begin. At 3:04 a.m., the moon will be entirely in the umbra and the total eclipse begins. Maximum eclipse is at 3:33 a.m., and the total phase ends 4:02 a.m. The partial eclipse ends at 5:17 a.m., and the moon sets at 6:16 a.m.

What You Can See in the Sky

Depending on the season, you may catch:

  • The Milky Way stretching across the desert sky

  • Bright planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn

  • Seasonal constellations such as Orion, Scorpius, and Cygnus

  • Meteor showers, including the Lyrids (April), Perseids (August), and Geminids (December)

  • Occasional eclipses and rare astronomical events

Stargazing Tips

  • Check the moon phase — aim for a new moon or crescent moon for the darkest skies

  • Use red flashlights to protect your night vision and keep your surroundings dark

  • Bring a reclining chair or blanket so you can comfortably look up for long periods

  • Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark for the best visibility

  • Stargaze after 9:00 pm, when light pollution is lowest and the stars are brightest

Upcoming Stargazing Programs & Events

There are no stargazing programs or events planned at this time.

Click here to see upcoming ABDNHA events.