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.

Where to Stargaze in Borrego Springs

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

The core of the Milky Way seen from Borrego Springs just before dawn in March 2026. Long exposure (2 minute) tracked image taken with a Nikon DSLR at 14mm and f2.8. (Photography credit: Michael Poirier, Astrophotographer)

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2026 dark sky calendar

Source: Michael Poirier, Astrophotographer, and the Sky Calendar from Michigan State University

N.B. You can subscribe and get the Sky Calendar from Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University, 755 Science Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

 

Early OctoberSunrise 6:41 am; sunset 6:30 pm. Day length is 11 hours 49 minutes.
October 4Saturn reaches opposition (closest point to Earth)
October 6Lunar occultation of Jupiter from 3 a.m. – 4 a.m.
October 7-13Last window to see the Milky Way core, right after sunset
October 10New Moon (darkest sky for stargazing and astrophotography)
October 21-22Orionid Meteor Shower peaks after midnight
October 25-26Full Moon rises at 5:34 p.m. and sets at 6:27 a.m.
Early NovemberSunrise 6:06 a.m., Sunset 4:54 p.m. Day length is 10 hours 48 minutes
November 1Clocks “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m. to Pacific Standard Time (PST)
November 2Conjunction of the Moon and Regulus
November 8New Moon (darkest sky for stargazing and astrophotography)
November 15Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars
November 17-18Leonid Meteor Shower peaks
November 24-25Full Moon rises at 4:39 p.m. and sets at 6:39 a.m.
November 29Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
Early DecemberSunrise 6:33 a.m., Sunset 4:37 p.m. Day length is 10 hours 04 minutes

The Planets in Autumn
The next few months will offer exceptional planetary viewing, highlighted by Saturn reaching opposition (the point when the Sun, Earth, and Saturn form a straight line space with Earth in the middle) and by prominent evening appearances of Venus and Mars.

  • Saturn reaches opposition on October 3–4 and remains visible all night, with its rings well positioned for observation.
  • Venus is our “Morning Star” in November. Look east 45-90 minutes before sunrise. On Nov. 20, it reaches maximum brilliance. On Nov. 7, an hour before sunrise, the crescent moon hangs just below Venus, making for a great photo op.
  • Jupiter appears in the morning sky, where you can see its moons moving closer together. On Oct. 6, the Moon will pass in front of Jupiter, briefly hiding it from view–a rare event called a lunar occultation.
  • Mars is visible in the late night and early morning hours, moving across Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.

World Space Week – October 4-10
The world’s largest annual space event, World Space Week is the United Nations’ official celebration of space and the use of technology to help humanity. This year’s theme is “Rocket Revolution.” Check out their website at worldspaceweek.org.

The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks on October 21/22
This meteor shower is expected to produce 15 to 20 meteors per hour and will be active from October 2 to November 7.  The origin of these meteors is Halley’s Comet (1P/Halley).  Unfortunately, during the peak, the Moon will be mostly illuminated (Waxing Gibbous at 80%), brightening the night sky and potentially washing out the fainter meteors.  Look near the constellation Orion after midnight until 5 a.m.

The Leonid Meteor Shower peaks on November 17-18
This meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 15 meteors per hour and will be active from November 6 to the 30th.  The origin of these meteors is debris from comet Temple-Tuttle.  These will be bright meteors that leave glowing trains in the sky. During the peak, the Moon will set before the show really begins.  Look to the southern sky near the constellation Leo after midnight until 5:30 a.m.

Voyager 1 Reaches One Light-day from Earth
At some point in November, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, still active almost 50 years after its 1977 launch, will reach 25.9 billion kilometers (16.1 billion miles) from Earth. At this distance, light will take a full day to travel between our planet and Voyager 1.

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