California ranked No. 1 state to see shooting stars in the nation. Here’s why
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- California leads nation in meteor sightings with a 6.68% probability rate.
- State features 7 Bortle 1 and 32 Bortle 2 dark sky sites for optimal viewing.
- High elevation and 45 observatories boost skywatching access and visibility.
Want to wish on a shooting star? If you live in California, you’re in luck.
People residing in the Golden State have the best chances of witnessing asteroids and meteors dash across the night sky, according to sports betting website Action Network.
The website recently ranked California the No. 1 state in the nation for spotting shooting stars.
“From Big Sur to the Mojave Desert, California offers both public access and professional support for serious skywatchers,” Action Network said.
Here’s why California’s night skies dazzle more than the rest:
Why is California top state for stargazing?
California enjoys the best skywatching conditions in the country due to its pristine dark and clear night views, according to Action Network.
Avid stargazers in the state have a 6.68% probability of seeing meteors or asteroids, the website said.
Action Network praised California as “the gold standard for dark skies” because “it offers some of the clearest night views in the country.”
Action Network based its finding on the Bortle Scale, which classifies the darkness of the night sky by how much light pollution is present. California contains seven Bortle 1 sites and 32 Bortle 2 sites, the website said.
Golden State skywatchers also have a better chance of sighting shooting stars because the state’s average elevation is nearly 3,000 feet, the study said.
“Higher altitudes mean less haze, moisture and light pollution — all the key ingredients for catching meteors, fireballs and even asteroids,” Action Network said.
In 2025, there have already been 49 fireball reports, according to the study.
California was also ranked No. 1 based on its strong astronomy network across the state.
The Golden State boasts 45 observatories and numerous publicly accessible dark skies sites, including Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.
“It’s a rare mix of nature and infrastructure that puts it at the top,” Action Network said.
What are top 10 states for spotting a shooting star?
According to Action Network, these were the top 10 states in the nation to glimpse a meteor or asteroid in 2025, along with how likely you are to see one:
- 1. California: 6.68% chance
- 2. Colorado: 4.45% chance
- 3. Oregon: 4.40% chance
- 4. Utah: 4.21% chance
- 5. New Mexico: 3.81% chance
- 6. Arizona: 3.50% chance
- 7. Nevada: 3.17% chance
- 8. Alaska: 2.94% chance
- 9. Idaho: 2.85% chance
- 10. Michigan: 2.81% chance
How did Action Network come up with its list?
Action Network created a scoring system of 0 to 100 points to determine which U.S. states have the best chances of witnessing fireball or asteroid event.
The sports betting website analyzed the top spots for stargazing based on dark sky quality, average elevation, fireball sightings in 2025 and astronomical observatories.
