Skip to main content

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.

See Upcoming Events
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

Astronomy Viewing at James River State Park

August 16 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm

At Shelter #4. Fun for the whole family! Standard parking or admission fee applies.

Click HERE for more info

3 big astronomy events packed into 1 week in August sky

A trio of astronomical events will unfold in less than one week throughout August, including the famed Persied meteor shower and a must-see early morning gathering of planets.

There will be plenty to look for in the night sky throughout August, with all of the month’s big events taking place just several nights apart from each other. From the popular Perseid meteor shower to a planetary alignment, here’s what to look for in the night sky throughout the new month:

Sturgeon Moon: Aug. 8-9

The final full moon of meteorological summer, which spans June through August, will rise as the weekend kicks off from Friday, Aug. 8, into Saturday, Aug. 9.

August’s full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the large fish once found in abundance in the Great Lakes and in Lake Champlain, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The nickname can be traced back to Captain Jonathan Carver, who learned the phrase while traveling in the 1760s.

Other nicknames for August’s full moon include the Black Cherry Moon, the Ricing Moon and the Mountain Shadows Moon.

Jupiter-Venus conjunction: Aug. 12 before daybreak

Two of the brightest planets in the night sky will shine side-by-side on Tuesday, Aug. 12, during an astronomical event known as a conjunction. The pre-dawn event does not require a telescope, just a clear view of the eastern sky.

The planetary pair will rise after 3 a.m., local time, but will be best seen between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., appearing about as far apart as the width of a pinky finger held at arm’s length.

Those who miss the early morning show can still catch a similar view the following morning, as Venus and Jupiter will remain tight-knit in the sky.

Perseid meteor shower: Aug. 12-13

The Perseid meteor shower is often touted as the best meteor shower of the year, in part due to the warm stargazing weather. This year, it will peak on the night of Tuesday, Aug. 12, into the early morning of Wednesday, Aug. 13, but moonlight will prevent it from reaching its full potential.

“In 2025, the waning gibbous moon will severely compromise this shower at the time of maximum activity. Such conditions will reduce activity by at least 75 percent as only the brighter meteors will be visible,” the American Meteor Society explained on its website.

Instead of people counting 60 to 100 shooting stars per hour, they might only count between 10 and 20 per hour.

Experts recommend focusing on darker areas of the sky where the bright moon is out of sight for the best chance at spotting some meteors. Shooting stars may start to streak through the sky not long after nightfall, but the best part of the celestial light show is expected later in the night.

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.

Travelers Are Over the Moon for Astrotourism

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

Out of this World Videos