Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center is located on the northern edge of Joshua Tree National Park, south of the town of Twentynine Palms. The observatory’s location in the north of the park means that it’s distant from the cities on the southern end of Joshua Tree, which are eroding the quality of the night sky. The Milky Way is still visible and the campus is always open. Star parties are held on Saturdays, and amateur and professional astronomers can bring their telescopes anytime for personal projects or astrophotography. Pads are provided. The observatory recommends bringing your own water and a jacket.
Deborah Byrd
View Articles
About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.