On July 6, the Earth will reach Aphelion — its farthest point from the sun on its orbit.
Sky Watch: Catch a Glimpse of Mercury in April
The speedy planet can be seen, with a little luck.
The speedy planet can be seen, with a little luck.
Sky Watch: The Seven Sisters Come Out in March
The Pleiades cluster will be visible later in the month.
The Pleiades cluster will be visible later in the month.
Sky Watch: See Mars Disappear Behind the Moon
The moon will occult Mars on Jan. 30, and it's the last time this will happen until 2025.
The moon will occult Mars on Jan. 30, and it’s the last time this will happen until 2025.
Sky Watch: See the Moon Pass by Mars
Mars sneaks behind the moon and again a few minutes before it reappears on the evening of Dec. 7 in Greater Palm Springs.
Mars sneaks behind the moon and again a few minutes before it reappears on the evening of Dec. 7 in Greater Palm Springs.
Sky Watch: Mars Enters Retrograde
In late October, Mars appears to dance across the sky in the opposite direction.
Occasionally, planets appear to move westward in what is called “retrograde” motion. In late October, Mars dances across the sky headed east.
Things to Do in Rancho Mirage
Explore the night skies and view galaxies far, far away at the observatory or visit Sunnylands where U.S. Presidents and British royalty visited.
Six things to do in Rancho Mirage, like viewing the night skies with a research-grade telescope to Sunnylands where presidents stayed.
Sky Watch: Gettin’ Cozy With Pleiades and Mars
Shortly before sunrise on Aug. 19, you can glimpse this lunar trifecta: third-quarter moon, Pleiades star cluster, and Mars.
Shortly before sunrise Aug. 19, you can glimpse this lunar trifecta: third-quarter moon, Pleiades star cluster, and Mars in the desert sky.
Best Way to See the Stars (Without a Fuss)
We recommend the best place to pitch your tent under the stars in the desert, and where is the best place to view bighorn sheep.
See the stars at the Rancho Mirage Observatory, discover the best place to pitch your tent in the desert, and where to view bighorn sheep.
Sky Watch: Fly Me to the Moon
The moon will approach its “perigee,” or the closest point in orbit to Earth, on July 13 when the moon reaches its full phase. Keep an eye to the sky.
The moon will approach its “perigee,” or the closest point in orbit to Earth, on July 13 when the moon reaches its full phase. Look for it.