Love written in the stars at Galaxy Nights—Valentine’s Edition

Starry space scene with planet, heart and two birds holding ‘Valentine’s Edition.’ Text: ‘San Bernardino County Library. Galaxy Nights. Friday, February 13, 7:00PM–9:00PM. library.sbcounty.gov.’ — *Love is in the air, and so are these majestic raptors! Join us for Galaxy Nights: Valentine’s Edition this Feb. 13—where stars align and hearts soar.*

Love is truly written in the stars at Galaxy Nights—Valentine’s Edition, a free, family-friendly community astronomy and stargazing event hosted by the San Bernardino County Library in partnership with Avantus, a California-based leader in clean energy, and the High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS). The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library, located at 33103 High Desert State Scenic Highway in Lucerne Valley.

This Valentine’s Day-themed evening invites community members of all ages to spark a cosmic connection through astronomy, mythology and hands-on learning. Guests are encouraged to bring their curiosity — and perhaps someone special — to enjoy interactive activities, partner tables and guided stargazing experiences that celebrate love across the universe.

Attendees will explore celestial love stories written across the night sky, including:

Perseus and Andromeda – A legendary rescue that led to marriage, eternal love and neighboring constellations shining side-by-side.
Cassiopeia and Cepheus – A royal pairing whose story of love, pride, sacrifice and redemption still sparkles overhead.
Orion and Artemis – A star-crossed romance marked by devotion, tragedy and an immortal place among the stars.

One of the evening’s most anticipated viewing opportunities is Betelgeuse, the glowing red giant in Orion’s shoulder. Often referred to as the “Valentine’s Star,” Betelgeuse captures attention each February with its warm hue and striking brilliance.

Love in nature will also take center stage through a special presentation by High Desert Falconry, which will feature two peregrine falcons — a mated pair — along with an additional falcon, highlighting the powerful bonds formed by life-long pair-bonding bird species. Their presence offers a living reminder that some of the strongest love stories are found not only in the stars, but here on Earth as well.

Adding to the evening’s sense of wonder, a team from the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center will engage guests with educational insights into space exploration, astronomy and humanity’s ongoing connection to the cosmos.

In addition to stargazing and partner-led activities, attendees can enjoy a variety of Valentine’s Day themed crafts designed for all ages. The evening will also feature a circulation incentive and an exciting grand prize drawing. To be eligible for the grand prize, visitors must check out 10 items during the event, with each checkout counting toward unlocking a universe of knowledge — and the chance to win a special prize.

“Galaxy Nights is about bringing people together to celebrate curiosity, learning and connection— whether that connection is to science, storytelling, or each other,” said County Library Events Coordinator Jenni McCormick. “This Valentine’s Edition invites our community to fall in love with the library in a whole new way.”

Galaxy Nights will take place both indoors and outdoors, with most activities held under the open sky. Guests can also treat their sweethearts — or themselves — to sweet and refreshing offerings available for purchase from Abbey’s Cakes & Moore and its Drinkzilla division, featuring cake pops, cheesecake, cookies, brownie bites, lemonade fusions, slushies, soda and water.

Whether you’re a lifelong stargazer, a hopeless romantic, or simply looking for an evening that feels written in the stars, Galaxy Nights – Valentine’s Edition promises a night filled with wonder, warmth and celestial charm.

For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Additional County Update News – February 5, 2026