07/20/2024
Perseid meteor shower could be visible now through August 24 (est. peak Aug. 11-12). To see it, you should *visit an International Dark Sky Park in Virginia, listed here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/dark-sky-parks And listen to tips from NASA below.
Special dark sky events scheduled during this time period (*it's required to give the park advanced notice if visiting outside of a public event, also note that events are subject to change depending on weather—call the park or visit our website before visiting):
False Cape After Dark
False Cape State Park (Back Bay Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot)
July 20, 2024. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Aug. 10, 2024. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Aug. 18, 2024. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Touring the Galaxy
Natural Tunnel State Park (Gazebo)
July 20, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, 2024. 8:15 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Aug. 17, 2024. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Special Dark Sky Program
James River State Park (Shelter #4)
July 20, 2024. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
July 27, 2024. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Aug. 10, 2024. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Dark Sky programs
Staunton River State Park
Wagon Ride: July 20, 2024. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Stories of the Stars: Aug. 3, 2024. 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Dark Sky Night
Natural Bridge State Park (Skyline Trailhead)
July 26, 2024. 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Aug. 10, 2024. 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Dark Side of the Mountain
Grayson Highlands State Park
Aug. 2, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Stargazing program
York River State Park (Amphitheater)
Aug. 3, 2024. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Earth and Sky Adventures
Sweet Run State Park
Aug. 10, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Summer Night Star Lights
Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
Aug. 10, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party
New River Trail State Park (Shelter #1 - Foster Falls)
Aug. 11, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Starfield Exploration with Crewe Astronomy Club
High Bridge Trail State Park (Camp Paradise)
Aug. 24, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
More events and details listed on our Dark Sky Parks page.
Tips from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (photo credit):
- Check for predictions on fog, clouds and humidity that can affect viewing.
- Bring a blanket or chair for comfortable viewing.
- Dress for cooler summer night temps.
- Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary (though our dark sky events provide them), as meteors should be visible to the naked eye in good weather conditions.