2025 promises a lineup of astronomical events that are sure to mesmerize both casual skywatchers and space enthusiasts. Plan a trip to escape the bright lights of the city and watch these celestial spectacles in the dark skies above Siskiyou.
Total Lunar Eclipse – March 14, 2025
The upcoming lunar eclipse will be visible from everywhere in Siskiyou around 10PM, if the sky is clear. Total eclipse will be reached by 11:25PM and will be fully eclipsed for 67 minutes. We recommend checking out this event from a place like Lake Siskiyou, perhaps from the Wagon Creek Bridge. No special equipment is needed to view the reddish hue of this epic ‘blood moon’ eclipse.
Lyrid Meteor Shower – April 15-19, 2025
Optimal stargazing of the Lyrid Meteor Shower would be during the pre-dawn hours of 3-4am somewhere like Etna Summit or anywhere off the road in Scott Valley. This phenomenon is happening because the earth will be passing through a meteor stream in space during the second half of this April. Up to 20 meteors per hour will be visible during this multi-night shower.
Venus- Jupiter Conjunction – August 12, 2025
This stunning celestial event is where the two brightest planets in the night sky appear very close to each other. Jupiter and Venus are set to share a “Cosmic Kiss” as they appear just after sunset over Siskiyou. Anywhere with open spaces like Mt Shasta’s Shastice Park will offer good visibility of the planetary alignment, plus it is super close to town.
Perseid Meteor Shower – August 12-13, 2025
The Perseid Meteor Shower typically peaks around mid-August, with the best viewing times being in the pre-dawn hours. Make sure to find a spot away from light pollution, there are many good vantage points along Everitt Memorial Highway. Bring a blanket and chair and enjoy the show!
Saturn Opposition – September 21, 2025
With minimal light pollution, a great viewing location of Saturn would be the Lower Klamath Basin and Tulelake National Wildlife Refuges. This is a fantastic event where Saturn is visible all night long and will be at its brightest and largest showing for the year. Bring some binoculars and be amazed!
Super Harvest Moon – October 6, 2025
The full moon will appear larger and brighter than usual this October. Recognized as an official dark sky location, Castle Crags Vista Point provides an excellent view of the stars and the Super Harvest Moon. Make sure to bring a blanket, and perhaps a hot drink to enjoy this celestial event comfortably.
Gemenid Meteor Shower – December 13-14, 2025
One of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year will be peaking this December. View fast streaks of light across the night sky from the West Shore of Lake Shastina in Weed.
Be Prepared to See the Stars
Nighttime in the wilderness and high altitudes can get quite chilly. If you’re planning to stargaze from these areas, be sure to bring a jacket or blanket and wear comfortable and warm footwear. Don’t forget to charge your phone before you go, and make sure you have access to any fire information or road closures depending on time of year. It’s always a good idea to take precautions when heading out into wilderness areas, especially at night.
Check out the Dark Sky & Artificial Lighting Guidelines from Leave No Trace so that others wanting to escape artificial light can also experience Siskiyou’s dark skies at their optimum visibility.
More epic stargazing destinations in Siskiyou
5 Spots to View Siskiyou’s Starry Skies – Discover Siskiyou
Great Stargazing Spots – Discover Siskiyou
(All images kindly provided by Robert Renick.)
