CA Named Best State For Asteroid Spotting. Where To Stargaze In NorCal

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — California has been ranked the best place in the U.S. to spot an asteroid, according to a new study from Action Network.

Home to Big Sur, the Mojave Desert and other prime stargazing destinations, California offers more dark-sky locations and professional-level resources than any other state. As a result, residents and visitors report more meteor sightings here than anywhere else in the country.

"California offers both public access and professional support for serious skywatchers," according to the study.

California topped the list with a score of 74.75 out of 100, based on three key factors: the number of observatories, reported meteor sightings and the quality of dark skies. According to the study, California recorded 1,163 meteor sightings — more than any other state — and is home to 59 observatories.

Some good spots to stargaze in Northern California are:

• Calaveras Big Tree, CA
• Strawberry Hill, CA
• Big Sur, CA
• Emerald Bay State Park, CA
• Mendocino National Forest, CA
• Lake Tahoe, CA
• Paso Robles, CA

Here's how the Golden State compares to the other 10 U.S. states for Asteroid Spotting:

1. California – 6.68% chance (+1397 odds)
2. Colorado – 4.45% chance (+2147)
3. Oregon – 4.40% chance (+2173)
4. Utah – 4.21% chance (+2275)
5. New Mexico – 3.81% chance (+2525)
6. Arizona – 3.50% chance (+2757)
7. Nevada – 3.17% chance (+3055)
8. Alaska – 2.94% chance (+3301)
9. Idaho – 2.85% chance (+3409)
10. Michigan – 2.81% chance (+3455)

“From desert getaways to northern wilderness, these states offer something rare — the chance to catch a real asteroid sighting without needing a telescope or a degree in astrophysics,” said a spokesperson for Action Network. “It’s a curiosity-fueled summer list for road trippers, space lovers, or anyone who enjoys their travel with a little cosmic perspective.”

The study considered light pollution levels using the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale and found that, despite the state’s urban sprawl, many rural areas in California offer ideal conditions for skywatching. Locations like Joshua Tree National Park, the Eastern Sierra and Mount Pinos are among the top dark-sky destinations for amateur astronomers.

The release of the rankings comes at a time when public interest in asteroid activity is growing. Earlier this year, the European Space Agency placed asteroid 2024 YR4 on its risk list, estimating a 1.2 to 2.3 percent chance of impact in 2032. While the risk remains low, the news has drawn attention to asteroid tracking efforts across the globe.