Astrotourism in Nelson County

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

Starry Nights MUSIC FESTIVAL

Meteor Showers July 29-30

The summer night sky will be adorned with shooting stars during the combined peak of the Delta Aquarid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers on July 29-30.

The final nights of July will bring the best chance since spring to spot shooting stars, thanks to the combined peak of two minor meteor showers: the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids.

Individually, these showers don’t generate much buzz—but together, they can produce up to 20 meteors per hour Tuesday night. Some of those meteors may appear as exceptionally bright fireballs, flaring briefly to rival the brightness of the moon.

“Late July in 2025 will be a great time to view meteor activity, as the moon will be in the evening sky and setting before the activity is strongest,” the American Meteor Society (AMS) explained on its website.

The best viewing window is between midnight and 3 a.m., local time, although a few stray meteors may streak across the sky earlier or later in the night.

Unlike most meteor showers that peak over just one or two nights, these late-July showers are long-running. That means any night through the end of the month and into early August should offer a decent chance to catch a shooting star.

“The key to seeing the most activity is to be rested and comfortable,” the AMS added. “A reclining chair is best looking southward about half-way up in the sky.”

Some of the meteors you spot may not belong to the Alpha Capricornids or the Southern Delta Aquariids, as another celestial show is just beginning to ramp up.

The Perseids, one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, has officially started. Known for its warm summer timing and high meteor count—up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak—the Perseids will continue to build in intensity over the next few weeks.

If you see a meteor streaking from the northern sky, there’s a good chance it’s an early arrival from the Perseids.

Meteor activity will gradually increase heading into August, with the Perseids peaking on the night of August 12-13.

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.

Devil’s 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.