Astronomy and Astrophotography at Shenandoah National Park
One has never truly seen the magnificence of the night sky until one has viewed it from a high altitude location without the light pollution of developed areas. Shenandoah National Park offers that opportunity, particularly in the Big Meadows area of the Central District. The visible number of stars quadruples, meteors streaking across the sky are more visible, and the Milky Way is more defined and easily viewed by the naked eye. Views of other celestial objects such as planets, distant galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and double stars are also attainable, depending on the time of year, and of course the type of viewing equipment one may have. During prime viewing months, amateur and pro astronomers, as well as astrophotographers, can be found under the night sky at Shenandoah National Park, enjoying the spectacular sights of space.
The Milky Way Over Big Meadows by John H. Messner
This summer, Shenandoah National Park welcomes back Greg Redfern, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador and space expert, to talk about the Super Moon, space and more -- all from the dark skies of Shenandoah. Click here for dates & times.
Greg Redfern has been a Solar System Ambassador since 2003. The Solar System Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the JET PROPULSION LABORATORY in Pasadena, CA, an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a lead research and development center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Redfern has been an amateur astronomer and space exploration enthusiast for more than four decades. His writings, media appearances, and public lectures have reached thousands of people worldwide.
Read the full press release at VisitSkylineDrive.org
Links Of Interest
Shenandoah Stargazing (astronomy programs by Greg Redfern)
Clear Sky Chart - Big Meadows
NPS Night Sky Page (with links to local astronomy clubs)
SNP Milky Way Images on Flickr
SNP Night Sky Images on Flickr