Many visitors know about the numerous recreational opportunities available in the San Bernardino Mountains during the day. Hiking, fishing, bicycling, picnicking, and swimming –among other activities- keep the average mountain visitor busy. However, they may be missing some very interesting, fun, and educational activities that occur after the sun sets on the San Bernardino National Forest. Great stargazing opportunities abound throughout the forest.
STARGAZING
Clear dark skies provide the best backdrop for stargazing, thus making remote locations in the San Bernardino National Forest prime viewing areas, above the smog layer and away from the brightness of city lights. Choose a moonless night far away from streetlights or other lights with a clear view of the sky. A location facing the southern sky often gives the best views. Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Visitors to Big Bear Lake may have noticed the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) on the north shore. The BBSO is an astronomical telescopic observatory operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology with main interests in studying the physics of the Sun. Big Bear Lake provides excellent climactic conditions for a solar observatory due to the unusual cloudless skies, clear air at its 6,750 foot elevation and the smooth flow of air over the lake. The BBSO is now in the process of constructing a new 1.6 meter solar telescope and is not currently open for tours. For more information call (909) 866-5791.
COMING SOON!
An exciting new observatory is in the works for the Big Bear Discovery Center. The San Bernardino National Forest Association has plans to build an observatory near the Big Bear Discovery Center’s outdoor amphitheater. The observatory will house a professional telescope. Today’s technology will allow the public to view the constellations on flat panel high-resolution television screens as well as on the Association’s website. Tax-deductible donations for construction of the observatory may be mailed to the San Bernardino National Forest Association, P.O. Box 66, Fawnskin, CA 92333.
USEFUL ITEMS
Blanket
Jacket
Binoculars
Simple Star Chart
A flashlight will help you to read the star chart. Cover the lighted end of the flashlight with red clear paper because red light does not disrupt your night vision as much as white light does.
An observing log to help you keep track of objects you see in the night sky. Keeping a record will help you see how the sky changes over time. If you can see each star of the Little Dipper, your eyes have “dark adapted,” and your chosen site is probably dark enough. Under these conditions you will also see plenty of meteors.
