California’s night sky allows people to see the Milky Way clearly without using telescopes, beginning next week. If you haven’t witnessed the Milky Way directly yet, this upcoming week presents an opportunity to observe our home galaxy without a telescope.
From May 20 to May 30, stargazers across the state will be able to spot the Milky Way stretching overhead like a glowing ribbon. It’s not often you get this kind of clarity, but thanks to the moon’s phase and some favorable timing, this will be one of the best windows all year.
A 10-Night Window for the Stars
The Milky Way is always above us, we just usually can’t see it. City lights, haze, and moonlight often drown it out. But during the last week of May, the moon will be at its darkest, giving the stars a rare chance to shine. Experts say the best time to look is between midnight and 5 a.m.
According to LiveScience, this is when the galaxy’s bright center — that densely packed cluster of stars — will rise high in the sky and become especially easy to spot.
Where to Watch from California
To take it in, you’ll want to get away from city lights. Find a dark, open area, a state park, the coast, or anywhere rural, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Once you’re outside, look for the Summer Triangle, a pattern made by three of the night’s brightest stars. That triangle will guide your eyes toward the band of the Milky Way.
NASA notes that the fainter stars are what really bring the Milky Way to life, and those just don’t show up in places with streetlights or glowing horizons.
Weather Looks Perfect
It gets even better. Clear skies are expected across much of California during the viewing window. The National Weather Service predicts cloudless nights around Modesto, Sacramento, Fresno, Merced, and San Luis Obispo starting Tuesday.
That means stargazers won’t just be relying on luck, the conditions are lining up just right.
One of Nature’s Quiet Wonders
Getting underneath a sky full of stars provides a grounding experience because it shows your position in the galaxy. The first step involves deciding between waking up early or staying awake late before going outside to see the stars. The view will be worth it.
