Stargazing

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in Shenandoah National Park

Stargazing in Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to enjoy stargazing a star-filled night sky. And without the light pollution of developed areas.  There are wide open spaces so plenty of room for social distancing.

 

Here in Shenandoah, a good place for stargazing is by the Big Meadows area, near the Rapidan Fire Road. The amphitheater in the Skyland area is also appropriate. On moonless and cloud-free nights it is a wonderful spot to view the Milky Way or some of the 2500 stars visible to the unaided eye that make up one of the 88 official constellations.  Click HERE for tips for stargazing

 

As the sun goes down, a different kind of opportunity to enjoy nature’s exquisite beauty emerges. Stars sparkle with more intensity. Constellations come into clearer view.  Depending on the time of year, celestial objects viewed can vary from a quarter moon to the planets, distant galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and double stars.

 

A number of free stargazing presentations are scheduled in the 2022 season at the Big Meadows area. Program start time varies based on sunset.  Monthly night skies presentations will be held at the big meadows area by amateur astronomers which include star gazing through telescopes or your own binoculars.  Current CDC guidelines will be followed.

 

See dates and times at Shenandoah’s Stargazing Event Calendar.

There’s so much to see!

So,  what should I do first?

We know there is a lot to see and do in the Park.  So we decided to create a seasonal top 10 lists for those who have only limited time. We asked park rangers to give us their best recommendations. Learn more about what they suggested: the Top 10 Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park.