1 of 17
Dark Sky Map
Light pollution is a major challenge for all astronomers, especially on the eastern side of the country. Try finding a "cool" spot near you for the best results.
2 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
Prelude to a Star Party
Before the stars even come out the moon is already visible at the Blue Ridge Vineyard in Botetourt County, Va.
3 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
Telescopes of all shapes and sizes
Avid star watchers of all experience levels show up for an informal star party at Blue Ridge Vineyard in Botetourt County, Va.
4 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
5 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
Prelude to a Star Party
Avid star watchers of all experience levels show up for an informal star party at Blue Ridge Vineyard in Botetourt County, Va.
6 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
Prelude to a Star Party
Avid star watchers of all experience levels show up for an informal star party at Blue Ridge Vineyard in Botetourt County, Va.
7 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
8 of 17
Cara Ellen Modisett
9 of 17
Courtesy of John Gross
10 of 17
Courtesy of John Gross
11 of 17
Courtesy of John Gross
12 of 17
Courtesy of the Primland Observatory
Half Moon
A half moon photographed through a telescope at the Primland Observatory.
13 of 17
Courtesy of the Primland Observatory
A distant galaxy photographed from the Primland Observatory.
14 of 17
Courtesy of the Richard Drumm
Galaxy M31
15 of 17
Courtesy of Steve Reilly
M45, the Pleiades or Seven Sisters
16 of 17
Courtesy of Michael R. Good
The Lagoon Nebula
Messier 8, also known as the Lagoon Nebula.
17 of 17
Courtesy of Steve Reilly
M45, the Pleiades or Seven Sisters
PLACES TO SEE THE STARS
VIRGINIA
Hopkins Planetarium
Science Museum of Western Virginia, Center in the Square, Roanoke
540-342-5710
smwv.org
John C. Wells Planetarium
James Madison University, Harrisonburg
540-568-4071
jmu.edu/planetarium
Leander McCormick Observatory
Fan Mountain Observatory
University of Virginia, Charlottesville/Albemarle County
434-924-7494
astro.virginia.edu
Primland Observatory
Primland Resort, Meadows of Dan
866-673-7802
primland.com/experience/observatory
Radford University Planetarium
Radford University, Radford
540-831-5652
radford.edu/content/csat/home/ru-planetarium.html
Selu Observatory
Radford University, Radford
540-831-5828
radford.edu/observatory
Stokesville Observatory
Mt. Solon
540-248-0981
valleystargazers.com/direct.htm
Winfree Observatory
Randolph College, Lynchburg
804-804-947-8489
faculty.randolphcollege.edu/tmichalik/abtwnfre.htm
WEST VIRGINIA
Berkeley County Planetarium
Hedgesville High School, Hedgesville
304-754-3354
Dwight O. Conner Planetarium
Parkersburg
304-420-9595
Good Hope Observatory
Harrison County
304-745-4842
caacwv.com/observatory.htm
Morgan County Observatory
Berkeley Springs
304-258-1013
nitesky.org
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Green Bank
304-456-2011
nrao.edu
Science Center of West Virginia
Bluefield
304-325-8855
Tomchin Planetarium and Observatory
West Virginia University, Morgantown
304-293-4961
planetarium.wvu.edu
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charles E. Daniel Observatory and T.C. Hooper Planetarium
Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville
864-281-1188
ropermountain.org
Dupont Planetarium
Ruth Patrick Science Center, Aiken
803-648-6851
rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium
Howell Memorial Planetarium
Bob Jones University, Greenville
803-242-5100
GEORGIA
North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
George E. Coleman Planetarium
Dahlonega
706-864-1511
northgeorgia.edu/observatory
Rollins Planetarium
Young Harris College, Young Harris
yhc.edu/academics/math-science/rollins-planetarium
Tellus Planetarium
Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum, Cartersville
770-606-5700
tellusmuseum.org/galleries-more/planetarium
TENNESSEE
Bays Mountain Planetarium
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
423-229-9447
baysmountain.com/astronomy/planetarium
Cleveland State Community College Observatory
Cleveland
423-472-7141
clevelandstatecc.edu
East Tennessee Discovery Center and Akima Planetarium
Knoxville
423-594-1494
etdiscovery.org
East Tennessee State University Planetarium
Johnson City
423-439-4231
etsu.edu/cas/physics/outreach/planetarium.aspx
UTC Clarence Jones Observatory
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
423-425-4518
utc.edu/Academic/JonesObservatory
KENTUCKY
East Kentucky Science Center
Prestonsburg
606-889-0303
wedoscience.org
Weatherford Planetarium and Roberts Observatory
Berea College, Berea
606-985-3351
physics.berea.edu
MARYLAND
FSU Planetarium
Frostburg State University, Frostburg
301-687-4270
frostburg.edu/planetarium
Planetarium, Earth/Space Science Lab
Frederick County Public Schools STEM Center
301-694-1462
sites.fcps.org/essl
Washington County Planetarium and Space Science Center
Hagerstown
301-791-4172
ALABAMA
Monte Sano Environmental Center Planetarium
Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville
205-536-1005
alapark.com/montesano
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville
800-637-7223
rocketcenter.com
FIND AN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY NEAR YOU:
Go to astroleague.org and click on Member Societies to search by state.