JULIAN, Calif. -- Under the dark night skies in the rural hills of Julian, the annual Perseids meteor shower returns to light up the night at the San Diego Dark Sky Festival on Saturday, August 16.
The free family-friendly event will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. at the Menghini Winery in Julian with educational activities and a panel of experts sharing why dark skies matter.
Afternoon Activities 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
* Hands-on activities for kids and families
* Educational exhibits on wildlife, conservation, and astronomy
* Food vendor: Kenyan Cuisine by Rafikizfoodz
* Inspirational speakers and panel discussion on light pollution impacts and dark sky advocacy
* Solar telescope viewing
Evening Activities until 11:00 p.m.
* "Probing the Cosmos at Mount Laguna Observatory" talk by Dr. Robert Quimby, Director of MLO
* Guided night sky tours with green laser pointer
* Astronomy-guided experience with binoculars
* Shared observing of nebulae and star clusters through telescopes
* Guided night sky tours with green laser pointer
* Astronomy-guided experience with binoculars
* Shared observing of nebulae and star clusters through telescopes
In one of San Diego's darkest and clearest spots, the moonless night sky will reveal bright planets, shooting stars, and the luminous sweep of the Milky Way.
Julian and Borrego Springs, recognized as international dark sky communities, are a part of a growing movement across San Diego County to protect and celebrate the night sky.
The Perseids meteor shower in Julian will reach peak brightness Aug. 12-13 with a nearly full moon. Stargazers can find the best view in rural communities, and potentially be able to see 50-75 shooting stars per hour.
DarkSky San Diego County, Julian Dark Sky Network, Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition, and the Fallbrook Land Conservancy Dark Sky Committee collaborated to organize the festival. The organizers suggest bringing a blanket or chair, a red flashlight, a jacket, and binoculars for the best experience.