If exploring the night sky is part of the agenda this spring and summer, it won’t take long to figure out there are many outdoor places to get that impeccable view. But to figure out the perfect time to dust off that telescope, you will have to stay current with this year’s celestial events. To help jump-start your stargazing plans, here are some noteworthy events and outdoor places to think about when planning your next nighttime adventure, and be sure to check out our Q&A with two local astronomy experts for more insight into the science behind the stars.
Dates and events
April 18: Mercury will be visible just after sunset by telescope. This date marks the time observers will be able to see the planet when it is positioned farthest from the sun.
April 21-22: One of the oldest studied meteor showers to date, the Lyrid meteor shower is a mild display that produces 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Lyrids are recognized for their speed, brightness and famous dust trains that can be seen best when the moon is below the horizon and before dawn.
May 4-6: The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is an annual event that originates from Halley’s comet and is best witnessed in the predawn hours.
May 9: Transit of Mercury. As Mercury passes directly in front of the sun, it will create a small dark spot as it travels across the sun’s surface. This event takes place roughly every 13 years. It will start in the early morning and will end in the afternoon. Note that this event cannot be seen by the naked eye.
May 18-June 3: If the objective is to find Mars, the planet will be at its brightest during these two weeks, making it easy to locate.
May 30: Mars close approach. This event occurs when both Mars and Earth are at their closest distance to each other when orbiting the sun. The next sighting will not be until July 31, 2018.
Aug. 11-12: A telescope will not be required to watch the Perseid meteor shower. At its peak this meteor shower can spew up to 100 meteors an hour.
Aug. 21, 2017: Total solar eclipse. In order to see this event, plan ahead of time: Virginia residents will not get to experience a total eclipse, but rather a partial. To see the total eclipse, travel south to states like Tennessee, western North Carolina and South Carolina.
Outdoor Parks
For many astronomy enthusiasts this park is an annual go-to spot to escape the light pollution radiating from Virginia cities. This mountainous region plays host to a variety of astronomy-themed events that include twilight hiking and public viewing nights at the Big Meadows. However, if the objective is to explore the night skies without a group, then take a drive along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which provides panoramic skyward views north and south of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
At 1,864 acres, this park has a clear view of the open night sky. However, if the goal is to stargaze with a group of friends, the park hosts observation nights led by Sean O’Brien from the Albert Einstein Planetarium held on selected Saturdays.
Located in Fauquier County, this state park is a central location for stargazers to bring their astronomical equipment to the flat grasslands. This is a hot spot for the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club to host their public viewing nights. Even if you are not a member of NOVAC, all astronomers are welcome to join.
Sky quality and clarity is most important for stargazing visibility. For that reason, Staunton is recognized by the International Dark Sky Association for its illustrious night skies. For all those who make this park an astronomy refuge, campgrounds and other overnight accommodations are provided.
Indoor Planetariums
Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory
The public is welcome to attend day or nighttime observations and use the observatory’s safe solar telescopes.
Visitors have the opportunity to stargaze through many of the observatory’s telescopes, including its 26-inch McCormic Refractor. Stargazers will also be able to tour the facility and hear from a university astronomer. The observatory is located at the University of Virginia campus.
Located on the Randolph-Macon College campus, the dome observatory is used for research by both students and faculty. The dome is also open to public through May 11.