Special Event

Event

Night Sky Festival: Day 2

Shenandoah National Park

Fee:

Free. This event is free, but you must have an entrance pass to get into Shenandoah National Park.

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Time:

12:00 AM

Duration:

23 hours and 45 minutes

Type of Event

Festival

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.

 

11:00 AM | It's Just a Phase!

Hoping to catch a glimpse of Earth's closest neighbor today? Learn how the movements of the Earth and the Moon determine how much of the Moon you can see during your visit to Shenandoah. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn, 20 minutes

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Solar Viewing

Explore Earth’s brightest star, the Sun! Come and stay as long as you wish during this relaxed exploration. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available. 

 

12:00 PM and 4:00 PM | James Webb Space Telescope

View the newest images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and learn how it will continue to unfold the universe! Dickey Ridge Visitor Center Auditorium, 45 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

7:30 PM | Call of the Wild: Creatures of the Night Edition

Explore the fascinating, and perhaps even surprising forms of communication used by four of Shenandoah's night stalking predators. Discover the key to translating these conversations and take a peek into the world of the Park after dark. Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater (mile 22.2), 45 min 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early).  

 

9:00 PM | Dickey Ridge Star Party

Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center lawn, 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). 

 

10:00 AM and 4:00 PM | Guiding Lights

Discover stories in the stars, design your own constellation, and find out how animals rely on dark skies. Byrd Visitor Center lawn, 45 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

1:30 PM | Nocturnal Adaptations

Over the years, many animals and insects have evolved to survive in the world at night! Join a Ranger to learn about these adaptations and how they help these creatures survive and thrive in the dark. Byrd Visitor Center patio, 15-20 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

2:30 PM | Young Naturalists

Discover Shenandoah’s nocturnal side at this interactive program designed for children (accompanied by an adult). Byrd Visitor Center, 1-½ hours 

Assisted Listening Devices Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

5:00 PM | Solar System Scramble

Learn about each planet and its role in the solar system as you recreate the planets' orbital dance through space. Byrd Visitor Center lawn, 30 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

8:30 PM |  Navigating Through Night

Join a Ranger as we learn how people and wildlife use the night sky as our guide. Throughout history, night sky navigation has affected not only our travels, but our daily lives throughout the seasons. Big Meadows Amphitheater, 45 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

9:30 PM | Big Meadows Star Party

Join a Ranger for an exploration of the night sky. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Park at Rapidan Fire Road (mile 51.2), 45 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

8:30 PM | The Spectacular Sky Rat 

Learn about the many different bat species that call Shenandoah National Park home and their diverse ways of survival. Loft Mountain Amphitheater, 45 minutes 

Wheelchair Accessible. Assistive Listening Available (please arrive 15 minutes early). 

 

Reservation or Registration: No