September Stargazing In California With The Supermoon And Planets

Grab your telescope and head outside this September – California’s night skies are putting on quite a show! The combination of clear autumn air, minimal light pollution in many areas, and several celestial events makes this month perfect for stargazers of all levels. From the dramatic Blood Moon to easily visible planets dancing across the heavens, the Golden State offers some of the best astronomical viewing opportunities of the year.

1. The September Lunar Eclipse – A Must-See “Blood Moon”

One of the biggest sky events this September is a total lunar eclipse happening on the night of September 7, 2025. Often referred to as a “Blood Moon” because of its reddish glow, this eclipse will be visible across most of California – weather permitting.

The moon will begin to enter Earth’s shadow around midnight, with totality peaking shortly after 1 a.m. It’s a great opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon with no special equipment needed. Just find a dark spot with an open view of the sky, and enjoy the show.

The red tint of the moon occurs due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere, filtering out blue light and letting red hues reach the moon’s surface. This same scattering effect is why we see red and orange hues during sunrises and sunsets.

Families, photographers, and astronomy clubs alike often gather to witness the beauty of lunar eclipses – and this one promises to be memorable. Some local observatories, like Lick Observatory and Griffith Observatory, may host viewing parties or live streams. If you’re planning to photograph the eclipse, be sure to use a tripod and try shooting during moonrise for dramatic foreground effects.

2. Planet Watching: Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus Light Up the Sky

Several planets are also visible this month, and you won’t need a telescope to see them. Jupiter is particularly prominent, shining brightly in the evening sky and remaining visible through most of the night. Its steady, non-twinkling light makes it easy to distinguish from stars.

Saturn, which reaches opposition on September 21, will appear golden and is best viewed shortly after sunset. Its ring system is visible with even a modest telescope or quality binoculars, making it a fan favorite for stargazers.

In the early morning hours, Venus shines brilliantly as the “morning star” in the east – sometimes so bright that it casts a faint shadow in dark conditions. Planet spotting is a great entry point for kids and beginners, especially when using apps like Sky Guide or Stellarium to track celestial bodies.

On particularly clear nights, you may also spot Mars and Mercury, although these are more elusive depending on their position relative to the sun. Public astronomy nights hosted at places like Mount Wilson Observatory often include views of these planets through large telescopes. These evenings create wonderful memories and help foster curiosity about science and space exploration.

3. California’s Best Stargazing Spots

If you want the clearest views, head away from city lights to one of California’s many dark sky locations. Death Valley National Park is among the best, holding International Dark Sky Park status and offering unrivaled nighttime visibility.

In Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park also provides stunning dark skies, often with fewer crowds. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is another stargazing gem in Southern California, where dry air and low elevation distortion make for perfect conditions. Point Reyes National Seashore on the coast also provides beautiful views when coastal fog stays away.

Each of these spots offers its own flavor of stargazing – from desert solitude to alpine skies or ocean backdrops. Ranger-led programs, especially in September, often include telescope viewing, constellation storytelling, and guided astronomy walks. For photographers, the dramatic landscapes offer excellent foreground subjects for Milky Way or moonrise shots.

It’s a good idea to arrive early, scout your viewing area, and check local weather and moonrise times in advance. Even if you’re not traveling far, many county and regional parks offer surprisingly good conditions if you can find areas with limited artificial lighting.

4. Minor Meteor Activity and Other Night Sky Surprises

While there are no major meteor showers in September, you might still catch sporadic meteors or the slow build-up to October’s Orionid shower. Some residual activity from the Southern Taurids may occur, especially in late September, and these can include rare, slow-moving fireballs.

Meteor watching requires patience – lying back in a dark, open field or desert floor and letting your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes. The longer you watch, the more likely you’ll see unexpected flashes dart across the sky. High-altitude locations like the Sierra Nevada or Big Bear Lake often offer the clearest skies for meteor viewing.

Another bonus for September is the potential for visible satellite passes, including the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS appears as a fast-moving, bright white light gliding silently across the sky – you can track its flyovers with apps like Heavens Above.

In rare cases of high solar activity, Northern California may even catch faint auroras, although this is unpredictable. Stargazing in California is particularly rewarding because of its varied climates – from foggy coasts to dry deserts, you can usually find clear skies somewhere. Just remember to bring layers, snacks, and a reclining chair or blanket to stay comfortable during your skywatch.

5. Family-Friendly Stargazing Tips and Events

Astronomy doesn’t have to be a solitary hobby – September is full of family-friendly events throughout California that help kids fall in love with the night sky. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles often offers public telescope nights and moon-focused programming during full moon events.

In the Bay Area, Chabot Space & Science Center hosts “Evenings at the Observatory,” where you can view planets through historic telescopes and enjoy educational talks. State parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods or Mount Tamalpais also hold beginner-friendly star parties where amateur astronomers share their gear and expertise. These events are typically low-cost or free and open to all ages.

To prepare for your own family stargazing night, pack warm clothes, hot drinks, and flashlights with red lenses (to preserve night vision). Create a stargazing scavenger hunt to help kids spot planets, constellations, and satellites. Binoculars are great for children – they’re easier to handle than telescopes and still offer impressive views of the moon and some star clusters.

You can also print sky maps or use free apps to guide your viewing and add some educational context to the fun. Most importantly, stargazing together fosters curiosity, patience, and a shared sense of awe that screens and city lights often obscure.