This event has been canceled due to clouds. Thank you for your interest! Hopefully, the clouds will behave for our next Star Party! 

Join us for a wondrous evening of stargazing with TriState Astronomers, a passionate club of amateur astronomy enthusiasts who are generously sharing their time, telescopes, and expertise to help you explore the wonders of the night sky.

PVAS Host: TriState Astronomers, with representatives from Dark Skies Harpers Ferry-Bolivar

Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required FOR VEHICLE DRIVERS. Please do not register passengers. The purpose of requiring registration is so that we do not overfill our small parking lot. Limited to 20 drivers.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

This Star Party is timed to coincide with the first quarter moon, offering the perfect balance: the moon’s craters and mountains will be clearly visible, while its light won’t wash out fainter celestial objects like star clusters and distant galaxies. The event takes place between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m., and you’re welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you like. The moon will set around 8:15 p.m., but will be visible earlier in the evening during twilight. Saturn will begin rising around 8:00 p.m. and should be visible for much of the night.

Throughout the evening, members of TriState Astronomers will be set up with telescopes and available to guide you through the night sky. A representative from Dark Skies, Harpers Ferry-Bolivar will also be present to share information about local efforts to protect our night skies from light pollution.

Want to know more before you come? Check out this PDF for information on what to expect and our expectations for participants.

If skies are too cloudy for stargazing, we will cancel the event. The registered driver will be notified, and we will post updates on our website.

• Pace/Activities: Little to no walking
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.
• Parking/Where to Meet: While there is no specific meeting location (come and go as you please!), participants are encouraged to head towards the back deck (just down from the parking lot) of the Nature Center. Take the stairs at the side of the Nature Center. There will be an information table and the telescopes will be nearby.
• What to Bring: Flashlights/headlamps with a red light setting are strongly preferred, as white light affects night vision and impacts viewing. Please dress warmly for the evening! You may want to bring a comfortable blanket or chair.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.