Fwd: DarkSky San Diego County News: Perseid Meteor Shower & San Diego Dark Sky Festival (August 15 in Julian)

[Lesley H]

Hi folks, 

Don't miss the Dark Sky Festival this weekend! 

Best, 
Lesley 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: DarkSky San Diego County <darksky...@darksky.org>
Date: Mon, Aug 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Subject: Fwd: DarkSky San Diego County News: Perseid Meteor Shower & San Diego Dark Sky Festival (August 15 in Julian)
To: DarkSky San Diego <DarkSky...@darksky.org>

Hello DarkSky San Diego County supporters and local dark sky ‘friends’, it's been a while since we've sent a newsletter, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to let you know about the Perseid meteor shower which peaks this week. We also wanted to announce the 2^nd annual San Diego Dark Sky Festival that takes place this coming Saturday, August 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon at a new venue, Julian Union High School. This year, the Julian Dark Sky Network is hosting the event, and our DarkSky San Diego County chapter and several other local dark sky organizations are participating in the festivities. Please note that the afternoon speaker panel will take place INDOORS in the air-conditioned Little Theater.

Below is information on the meteor shower, the festival, and an event happening in Descanso during the week as the meteor shower activity peaks. As you know, meteor showers are natural events and we cannot guarantee what will be seen, but visiting a certified International Dark Sky Community like Julian offers a great opportunity to experience the night sky – and the day will be filled with educational opportunities and many exhibitor booths! The event in Descanso also sounds very nice and they have some great dark skies, as well.

Please note, as we are busy helping to prepare for the festival, we will not be able to respond to inquiries about meteor shower viewing suggestions. There are plenty of dark skies, away from city lights, throughout San Diego County, so options abound! Consider sharing your adventure on our Facebook group!

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An astronomer’s guide to viewing the Perseid meteor shower – SDSU Department of Astronomy

 

Robert Quimby, San Diego State University professor of astronomy and director of Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO), explains why this month’s meteor shower will be something you don’t want to miss!

 

• https://astronomy.sdsu.edu/an-astronomers-guide-to-viewing-the-perseid-meteor-shower/

  

San Diego Dark Sky Festival (Saturday, August 15th from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.)

 

The 2^nd annual San Diego Dark Sky Festival takes place on Saturday, August 15th from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. at Julian Union High School. There will be great speakers and exhibitors, as well as a night sky tour and star party with over 20 astronomers and telescopes. Please see attached flyer and schedule.

 

• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-dark-sky-festival-julian-ca-tickets-1990614010090

 

 

3:30–8:30 PM | Speaker Series in the Air-Conditioned Little Theatre

Enjoy an afternoon of engaging presentations from leading astronomers, conservationists, educators, and photographers.

 

3:00–8:30 PM | Activities on the Julian High School Football Field

• Explore more than 20 diverse astronomy, environmental, and nature exhibits presented by organizations dedicated to preserving our dark skies and nocturnal habitat, including Avian Behavior, NASA Solar System Ambassador, Project Wildlife, DarkSky San Diego, Sierra Club San Diego, and many more.
• Solar viewing through specialized telescopes, safely observing sunspots, solar prominences, and solar flares.
• Hands-on astronomy activities for kids and families provided by the Julian County Library staff.

 

8:30–11:00 PM | Evening Stargazing on the Football Field

• Telescope viewing with astronomers from across San Diego County, observing galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
• Laser-pointer guided tours of the night sky and the Milky Way.

 

Catching Stardust: A Unique Dark Sky Event in Descanso (Wednesday, August 12th from 5:30 p.m. until dawn on Thursday)

Our DarkSky chapter is not hosting or participating in this event, but the event planners reached out to us to invite all local dark sky enthusiasts. This event takes place as the Perseids Meteor shower peaks on the evening of Wednesday, August 12 at Stallion Oaks Ranch in Descanso. Check out the details on their event web page. Catching Stardust is a premium night sky experience designed for families, couples, and solo stargazers alike.

• https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/.../events/3717614

 

The Evening Flow:

• 5:30 PM: Beat the August heat with a refreshing dip in the ranch pool.
• Sunset: Take a reflective, self-guided walk through our 70-foot labyrinth and enjoy an abundant cold summer buffet served inside and outside The Barn.
• Before Dark: Gather in The Barn for a fascinating, informative astronomy lecture.
• Nightfall: Enjoy a spot in the open field to watch the cosmos put on a spectacular show in total dark-sky clarity!

 

May you have a wonderful day, and a tranquil, star filled night!

Cathy Handzel

DarkSky Advocate

Past President, DarkSky San Diego County

Advocating to restore the night sky and protect all living things from the harmful effects of light pollution.

DarkSkySanDiego.org

DarkSky.org