POSTCARD: Night Sky Festival || Shenandoah National Park

Sunset from Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

This weekend marked the 4th annual Night Sky Festival at Shenandoah National Park. This was the first time I had ever participated in an event hosted at the park. I had been thinking back to my time sleeping under the stars at Philmont Scout Ranch as a young Scout. I remember how amazing it was to see the millions of stars I saw when I looked up. I wanted to be able to share that experience with my daughter.

We started our night off at the Byrd Visitor Center at Big Meadows. A presentation was given by NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern. Where we learn about the latest mission to the moon by NASA, China, India, and others. After the presentation, we walked across the road. To the Rapidan Fire Road to the viewing area for a night of moongazing and perhaps a few constellations. 

The viewing area is just off Rapidan Fire Road.

Park Ranger's set up their telescope for people to see Jupiter  

Moon and Planets

The night sky with a view of the moon with Jupiter to the right of the moon and Saturn to the left. While we saw planets, moons, and shooting stars. The phase of the moon was Waxing Gibbous, a very bright moon. Unfortunately, the moon was too bright for us to see the Milky Way.  

This was a great way to experience the park. I can see us taking another trip to catch the Milky Way!

Now It's Your Turn-

Leave a comment about your time in the park at night. Have you been to a night sky festival?

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

• Postcard Pipeline Rapids James River
• Postcard Fall Colors
  

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flickr