Astrotourism in Nelson County

Tap into your inner astronomer and admire the breathtaking views of the Dark Skies of Nelson County

Winter Solstice Celebration at The Quarry Gardens

Night sky events to see in December, from a supermoon to the magical winter solstice

This month will bring some striking celestial sights, including one of the year’s best meteor showers and a glowing Saturn-moon pairing…

Supermoon—December 4

The final full moon of the year is also a supermoon. That’s when the space rock’s full phase coincides with its close approach to Earth, known as its perigee. At this time, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent more luminous than when it’s at its farthest point from our planet, known as its apogee.

Mercury reaches greatest elongation—December 7

Mercury rarely strays far from the sun’s glare, but on December 7, it swings to its greatest elongation—its widest visible separation from the sun. It’s the best time to see the “swift planet” without the sun’s obscuring glow. Look for it around an hour or so before sunrise the morning of December 7. It will rise above the eastern horizon, with Venus following in tow.

For the most striking view, catch the moon as it rises around sunset in the eastern sky. An optical trick known as the moon illusion makes it appear extra huge—even more so when it’s around structures like buildings or trees.

Geminid meteor shower December 13–14

Expect heaps of sky confetti during the Geminids’ peak from December 13–14. It’s historically one of the most prolific and reliable annual showers, producing anywhere from 60 to 120 meteors per hour during peak under pristine conditions. This year’s setup is exceptionally favorable.

The shower becomes visible around 10 p.m.; the peak night’s roughly 30-percent illuminated waning crescent moon won’t rise until around 2 a.m. That means, with clear, dark skies, astronomy enthusiasts can enjoy hours of uninterrupted meteor-scouting. Watch for the spectacle’s yellow-tinged streaks and especially bright flashes, known as fireballs, which can appear anywhere in the sky.

Optimal Orion nebula viewing—December 15

December is prime time to peer at the whimsical Orion Nebula. This star-forming region, a heap of dust and gas also known as Messier 42, is among the faintest objects humans can see with the naked eye. A telescope will sharpen the nebula’s signature features, including blue, pink, and green wisps.

The view is best on December 15, when it’s at its highest point in the night sky around midnight local time. Find this luminous star nursery beneath Orion’s familiar three-star belt.

Comet 3I/ATLAS makes closest pass to Earth—December 19

The seven-mile-wide Comet 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to Earth on December 19, passing around 170 million miles from us. Now through mid-December provides optimal viewing of this rare visitors. It’s just the third known interstellar object in history to pass through our solar system.

Astronomers believe the comet originated from a faraway star system in the Milky Way and could be over seven billion years old. The sight will not be bright enough for naked-eye visibility, but those with telescopes or access to observatories can monitor how the object survived its close pass by the sun in October. Look for it near the constellation Leo.

Winter solstice: Dec. 21 at 10:03 a.m. ET

Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10:03 a.m. ET, marking the year’s December solstice. South of the equator, the same date signals the start of summer.

At that moment, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year.

While the solstice marks the start of astronomical winter, meteorological winter begins on Dec. 1.

Ursid meteor shower: Dec. 21–22

The year ends with the Ursids, a smaller meteor shower that peaks on the night of Dec. 21–22 — the first night of astronomical winter following the solstice.

This final meteor shower of 2025 usually produces around 10 meteors per hour, though it benefits from long, dark nights at this time of year. The best chance to spot the Ursids will come late at night and before dawn, when the radiant near the constellation Ursa Minor climbs higher in the northern sky.

While the Ursids are far less active than the Geminids, they’re still worth a look as it will be one of the final meteor showers for months. After the short-lived Quadrantids peak in early January, the next meteor shower does not take place until April.

Astronomical League for information and printable handouts useful for everyone from the casual observer to the moradvanced amateur astronomer. They also offer printable handouts fo every month of the year, centered around what’s up in the sky mid-month.

Devils Backbone Dark Skies Camping

We’re excited to help shine a light on the importance of preserving our incredible night skies here in the Blue Ridge 🌌

From now through December 31^st, book any campsite at Devils Backbone Camp with code DARKSKIES and get 20% off your stay*. Whether you’re here to hike, stargaze, or sip a cold one, there’s no better place to enjoy the beauty of Nelson County than right here at Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows. Book your stay now at https://www.dbbrewingcompany.com/camp-at-basecamp and visit the link in our bio to learn more about the Dark Skies initiative. *BLACKOUT DATES AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY.