Astronomy For Everyone
- ALL AGES
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
Select date and time
Location
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144Agenda
Jr. Astronomer Activity (first 30 minutes)
Presentation from NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Ambassadors
Sky Tours and Night Sky Observation with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
About this event
- Event lasts 3 hours
- ALL AGES
- Paid venue parking
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children's "Junior Astronomer" program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night's beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings please visit their website.
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online. The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass visit our website.
Details:
-Registration is not required, but highly encouraged.
-Parking fees apply.
-Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
For daily self-guided dark sky observation, please access the park via the Turner Pond entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we kindly ask all visitors to leave the park following the end of the programming. However, the Turner Pond entrance remains open after-hours for self-guided observation daily. Turner Pond is located approximately half a mile North of the park's main entrance.
We always strive to make our Astronomy for Everyone program truly for everyone. Handicap parking, spacious restrooms, and ramps are in close proximity to the program area. If you or someone in your group is in need of other accommodations or have additional questions, please call 540-592-3556.
While the program is free, there is a $10 per vehicle parking fee. We accept all forms of payment.
The park opens at 8 a.m. daily and your parking fee is good for the entire day. Prior to your program enjoy 23 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails or pack a picnic. We encourage people to arrive early as parking fills up. Gates close one hour prior to the end of the program.
Yes, restrooms and baby changing stations are located within the park's Visitor Center
This portion is geared toward all elementary aged children (5-12 years old).
Yes. To find out more about our primitive campground and to make a reservation visit www.VirginiaStateParks.gov
Certainly!
Yes, dogs are welcome to all outdoor programming provided they remain on a leash at all times.