Event
Night Sky Festival: Day 1
Fee:
Free. This event is free, but you must have an entrance pass to get into Shenandoah National Park.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Discover the Park after dark during the 2022 Night Sky Festival! Join us for stargazing, Ranger talks, kids' activities, and guest presentations ranging from topics such as space weather, space travel, and our future in space. If you plan on attending one of the outdoor evening activities, be sure to be prepared for the weather and bring a flashlight with a red filter. Outdoor activities may be canceled in the case of inclement weather.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Solar Viewing
Explore Earth’s brightest star, the Sun! Interactive telescope program guided by a Ranger. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available.
7:30 PM | Night Sounds of Shenandoah
Explore the soundscape of Shenandoah to learn more about the things that go ‘bump’ in the night at this sunset program. Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater, 45 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
8:30 PM | Meet the Meteors
A bird? A plane? A shooting star! Learn about those bright streaks of light in the sky and where they come from. Then, discover why some meteor showers, like the Perseids, come back each year for us to see. Skyland Amphitheater, 45 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
9:30 PM | Skyland Star Party
Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Skyland Amphitheater, 45 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
1:30 PM | Stellar Space Weather
Discover what weather is like on different planets, in space, and how space weather affects us here on Earth. Byrd Visitor Center patio, 15-20 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
2:30 PM | Junior Ranger Night Explorer
Grab a Junior Ranger Night Explorer book and join a Ranger to learn how to earn your Night Explorer badge! Free booklet available at presentation. Byrd Visitor Center patio, 30 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
3:30 PM | Solar Spectacular
Learn about our home star and how its light powers our earth. Then use the power of the sun to make your own sunprint. Byrd Visitor Center lawn, 30 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
4:30 PM | Solar System Scramble
Learn about each planet and its role in the solar system as you recreate the planets' dance through the sky. Byrd Visitor Center lawn, 30 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).
8:30 PM | Night Sky Gazing
Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative presentation on controlling light pollution while they point out the heavenly stars. Park at Rapidan Fire Road (mile 51.2), 45 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible.
8:30 PM | Loft Mountain Star Party
Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Loft Mountain Amphitheater, 45 minutes
Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).