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Leave your flashlights behind and look for constellations, wish on a shooting star, and dream of the mysteries that lie beyond the Milky Way. Local hospitality businesses are creating and promoting places and events that preserve and protect our Dark Skies, such as specials, packages and events for viewing astronomical wonders.

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Events & Locations for Astronomical Wonders

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

Save the date! Starry Nights is coming back to Veritas two nights this Summer: Saturday, July 12, and Saturday, August 9.

Book your experience early to ensure you reserve your preferred space, and let the music sweep you away as we create a night to remember with great company, fun music, and fine wine! Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Click HERE for tickets or call 540-456-8000

 

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.

Dark Skies Packages

Indigo House: Dark Skies Package
Leave your flashlights behind and look for constellations, wish on a shooting star, and dream of the mysteries that lie beyond the Milky Way.

Just 10 minutes from Wood Ridge Farm Brewery, relax and recharge at the Indigo House, a modern bed & breakfast for outdoorsy humans and kind dogs. Add the Dark Skies Package to your stay and receive:

  • A Mediterranean picnic and dessert for two from Basic Necessities
  • Late check-out at 1 pm
  • Locally roasted coffee delivered to your room

Love Ridge: Stargazing Experience

STAY AND STARGAZE 
20% off Your 3-Day Stay + Stargazing Package.

Stay at Love Ridge and enjoy the delights of viewing the night sky with little ambient light. This Package is perfect to take in the night skies for an evening of family fun.

 

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 31st, 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.

Observing Windows

An observing window is defined as a period of time (allowing for observing conditions) that provides at least 1 and 1/2 hours of observing after astronomical twilight, which occurs one and one half hours after sunset, and which takes place when the Moon provides less than 25% illumination.

Observing sessions or activities should take place only when clear, mostly clear or a few clouds from time to time are forecast, based on both the National Weather Service and the Clear Sky Clock. Because of these variables, scheduled observing sessions or activities should be planned with a rain date in mind, which should be announced no later than 6:00 pm on the day prior to an event.

  1. Visit the Charlottesville Astronomical Society Website
  2. Go to the Sky Conditions drop-down menu and choose the Clear Sky Clock for the Observatory on Fan Mountain – a tool used by amateur astronomers for a two-day look-ahead at upcoming observing conditions. It can be a bit on the conservative side but can be useful for re-scheduling an event or activity, if necessary. Then use the Weather Forecast tool in conjunction with the Clear Sky Clock.

Nautical Twilight (an hour after sunset): Observing the planets and brighter objects, plus satellites

Astronomical Twilight (an hour and a half after sunset): Nelson’s dark skies make their appearance, with the caveats mentioned above.

Dates

February 21-March 4
March 23-April 4
April 21-May 3
May 20-June 1
June 19-July 1
July 18-30
August 17-29
September 15-27
October 15-27
November 14-26
December 13-25

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