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: October - November 2025

By Dr. Randolph Baron

Early OctoberSunrise 6:40 a.m. PDT, Sunset 6:29 p.m.
Oct 2, ThursAndromeda Galaxy almost directly overhead at midnight 
Oct 5, SunConjunction of Moon and Saturn, visible around 7:30 p.m. above eastern horizon 
Oct 6, MonFull Hunter’s Moon rise at 6:06 p.m.           
Oct 8, WedDraconid Meteor Shower 
Oct 13, MonConjunction of Moon and Jupiter rising just before midnight    
Oct 19, SunConjunction of Moon and Venus rising in east 1 ½ hour before sunrise
Oct 23, ThursOrionid meteor shower 
Oct 26, SunPerseid Double Cluster almost overhead at midnight 
Oct 31, FriGood evening to spot Mercury, 10 degrees above western horizon at sunset
Early NovemberSunrise 7:04 a.m., Sunset 5:53 p.m.
Nov 2, SunDaylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m.
Nov 2, SunConjunction of Moon and Saturn, around 5:24 p.m. above southeast horizon
Nov 5, WedFull Beaver Moon rise at 4:49 p.m. 
Nov 9, SunConjunction of Moon and Jupiter, around 10 p.m., 7 degrees above eastern horizon
Nov 12, WedNorthern Taurid meteor shower peaks before dawn 
Nov 17, MonLeonid meteor shower 
Nov 29, SatConjunction of Moon and Saturn, around 5:12 p.m. above southeast horizon

THE PLANETS THIS SUMMER

Venus is a brilliant morning planet all summer. Jupiter and Saturn are also morning planets, rising earlier and earlier as the summer progresses. Saturn actually reaches opposition on September 20. This means that the planet is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, making it visible almost all night. Mars sets earlier and earlier throughout the summer, becoming harder to see as it gets lost in evening twilight.

The Perseid meteor shower will be active from July 17 to August 24, producing its peak rate of meteors on the morning of August 13. Over this period there will be a chance of seeing Perseid meteors whenever the constellation Perseus is above the northeast horizon, which is around 10 p.m. This meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in its orbit around the sun. A major disappointment this year will be our lovely Moon, just past full. This will drown out all but the brightest meteors. We love our Moon, but not during a meteor shower!

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.