Star Light, Star Bright. Virginia’s the Place to see Stars Tonight.

New designations by the International Dark-Sky Association put Virginia tops for seeing stars. 

Visitors to Virginia will be rewarded with stars – bright stars! The recent designation of two more Virginia State Parks as International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), has propelled Virginia into the top spot for stargazing. With more Dark Sky Parks than any other destination on America’s East Coast, Virginia now offers five certified locations for some of the best night-sky views on earth. 

Natural Bridge State Park and Sky Meadows State Park are the two newest additions to Virginia’s roster, both receiving the designation this April. Staunton River State Park was designated in 2015 and James River State Park in 2019.  Rappahannock County Park, mere kilometres east of Shenandoah National Park and only several kilometres from the world-famous Appalachian Trail, is Virginia’s fifth official Dark Sky Park, also receiving the designation in 2019. 

Becoming an official Dark Sky Park is no easy matter and the process can be long and arduous. Once established, it also must be maintained.  Strict outdoor lighting policies are required to minimize light pollution; special stargazing programs must be promoted and hosted for guests, and the local community must be involved in maintaining the standards. 

Nighttime light pollution is common east of the Mississippi River, and natural nighttime darkness is disappearing, making stargazing more and more difficult.  An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) designation recognizes those areas and organisations actively working to maintain spaces where the public can easily see the stars. The park must possess an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. 

Shenandoah National Park offers a Night Sky Festival, full of ranger programs and activities to help celebrate our disappearing dark skies.  The park also offers Exploring The Skies astronomy presentations, Night Skies programs with amateur astronomers, and Twilight Hiking with Shenandoah Mountain Guides.  Virginia’s State Parks also provide a full array of programs where guests can gaze, learn, or just soak in the beautiful Virginia night. 

What is quite clear – at least in Virginia – is there is no better American East Coast destination to visit when stargazing is on the itinerary. 

Contact Sydney-based PR Account Manager, Anthony Lonn for high-resolution images or additional information.