Shenandoah Night Sky Festival

When and where Shenandoah Night Sky Festival is held

Not yet announced. Its usual timing is late summer; the darkest weekend that fits is computed from the Moon.

Shenandoah Night Sky Festival is held at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park near Luray, Virginia, each year at about the same time (late summer). It is organized by National Park Service.

Dates here are planning estimates from the Moon, not announced dates. Confirm with the organizer before you book.

How dark the sky gets at Shenandoah Night Sky Festival

Computed for the night of the party at the observing field, in local time.

At latitude 38.5°N, every star north of declination -51° rises here at some time of year. That puts Omega Centauri, at -47°, within reach low in the south. The Milky Way core in Sagittarius tops out 22° above the southern horizon.

What you can see from Luray on the party night

Highest altitude each showpiece reaches between the end of evening twilight and the start of morning twilight that night. Dimmed rows are out of reach from this latitude or this season; that is the case for choosing a party farther south.

Planets in the night sky

Where Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park is

Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park near Luray, Virginia. Coordinates 38.520°N, 78.430°W (approximate).

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open the larger map · Directions. Arrive before dark: headlights on the field ruin everyone's night vision.

Camping and lodging at Shenandoah Night Sky Festival

Big Meadows Lodge and campground. Book early; on-site spaces at popular parties fill months ahead.

Star parties near Shenandoah Night Sky Festival

Shenandoah Night Sky Festival record

From the site's star parties dataset (starparties_q426). Sky conditions are computed in your browser for the field's coordinates.