National Park Service Star Gazing Party

About this event

Gaze at the night sky with the National Park Service and the Shenandoah Astronomical Society (SAS), on land preserved by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. A National Park Service ranger will present a brief talk about night sky preservation. Afterwards there will be opportunities to use the telescopes for night sky viewing. Telescopes are provided, or you may bring your own. SAS members can teach you how to use it. Bring camp chairs or blankets. Overcast skies or inclement weather may cancel the program. Call the Visitor Center at 540-490-9569 to confirm on the day of the program. Fees This event is free to attend. Location Meet at Thoburn’s Redoubt (stop two on the self-guided battlefield tour) along Bowman’s Mill Road. This is a remote area with no bathroom facilities. The property does not have a street address. Go to coordinates 38°59’55.4″N, 78°19’10.7″W or follow these directions: From U.S. Highway 11 just south of Middletown, turn onto Water Plant Road. Go 1 mile to the intersection with Long Meadow Road. Turn right onto Long Meadow Road. Go 0.1 mile. Turn right onto Bowman’s Mill Road. Go 1.4 miles. Thoburn’s Redoubt is marked by an auto tour sign (stop no. 2). Turn right into the property.