Night Sky

Explore the best stargazing spots in Borrego Springs, California, with a stargazing map by the Dark Sky Coalition. Discover popular locations and tips for a perfect night under the stars.

Meet Dennis Mammana, a passionate astronomer with nearly five decades of experience in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. Dennis’s journey began in Easton, PA, where he was captivated by the launch of the first Earth-orbiting satellites in the late 1950s.

Experience the Walk of the Cosmos in Borrego Springs—a journey through the solar system in a beautiful desert park with playgrounds, sports courts, and stargazing opportunities.

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year, is set to light up the night sky over Borrego Springs.

Watch SpaceX's Starlink Launches Clearly Visible from Borrego Springs Borrego Springs offers a unique vantage point for witnessing SpaceX rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. With its clear, unobstructed skies and scenic desert landscape, Borrego Springs is an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to enjoy these spectacular events. While you're in town, explore the many attractions and activities, including hiking, stargazing, and nature watching in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park. Overview of the Starlink 9-2 Mission On June 23, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink 9-2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 20 second-generation Starlink internet satellites, with 13 equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities to enhance internet connectivity directly to mobile phones. This launch was part of a double launch day, with another set of satellites launched from Florida earlier in the day. Key Mission Details Launch Time and Location: The liftoff occurred at pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 8:47 p.m. PDT (11:47 p.m. EDT, 0347 UTC). Booster Details: The mission utilized the seasoned first-stage booster, B1075, marking its 11th flight. This booster has a storied history, having supported various significant missions including the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 and German military reconnaissance satellites. Landing: Approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff, the booster successfully landed on the droneship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This landing was the 94th on this particular droneship and the 322nd successful booster recovery for SpaceX.

Borrego Springs witnessed a rare display of the northern lights, with vibrant colors lighting up the desert sky.

Witnessed by locals and photographers, a stunning aurora borealis display lit up the skies of Borrego Springs during a powerful geomagnetic storm on May 10th and 11th.

Plan your visit to Borrego Springs for the 2024 Perseid meteor shower. Discover dark skies, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Enjoy stargazing, hiking, and local art for an unforgettable experience.

Capturing the Unseen: Borrego Springs’ Desert Aurora While the Northern Lights often steal the celestial spotlight, a recent phenomenon captured by photographer Chris Cook reveals that the heavens have more than one color palette at their disposal. On the evening of November 5, 2023, Cook witnessed a stunning display in the form of a Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arc, painting the skies above Borrego Springs, California, with hues of nocturnal red. A Serendipitous Spectacle Above the Santa Rosa Mountains Cook’s experience in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, east of San Diego, was serendipitous. His trained eye and equipment—specifically, a Canon EOS 6D paired with a Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 lens —were primed for moments just like this. The 20-second exposure at ISO3200 allowed him to capture the elusive SAR arc, a phenomenon usually invisible to the naked eye but nonetheless spectacular when revealed by today’s camera technology.

Learn More About Borrego Springs