Shared by Larry McHenry, as Guest Blogger.

For years, friends had told me about the Staunton River Star Party sponsored by the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observing Society at Staunton River State Park. This spring, a group of us from the Oil Region Astronomical Society finally made the roughly eight-hour trip, campers, telescopes and layers of clothing in tow. What I discovered was more than just a dark sky gathering; it was a warm, welcoming community wrapped in some of the clearest skies the East Coast has to offer. 

The week started with a mix of rain, wind and hopeful skywatching. At first, the observing field was too wet for campers, so many of us spent the first night parked on asphalt, chatting with neighbors between rain squalls. Even then, the excitement was obvious: campers comparing gear, people swapping stories and everyone keeping one eye on the clouds. 

Stargazers waiting for the observation field to open 

When the skies finally cleared, they really cleared. I stepped outside one night after midnight to find Jupiter blazing overhead and the stars stretched from horizon to horizon, bright enough to take your breath away.  

Taurus star cluster 

Despite the cold wind cutting through my jacket, I wandered the field, joining a few observers hunting down star clusters and spring galaxies. It's moments like that, spontaneous, communal, slightly chilly, that make star parties special. 

Each day brought its own rhythm. Mornings meant visiting friends, walking to the gift shop or nature center or catching up with other astronomers. 

One of the many setups at the Star Party 

Afternoons offered educational talks on everything from winter open clusters to near-Earth objects. Evenings meant hearty meals at the park’s Deep Space Diner, and more than once the whole gang gathered around for burgers, enchiladas or freshly baked cookies. 

One of the mid-week group talks featuring Xterra 

By midweek, the weather turned crisp and clear. The observation field was dotted with over a hundred setups: big dobs, smart scopes, imaging rigs, even a few portable observatories.  

The Dark Sky Observation Field during the Spring Star Party 

Walking the field at dusk, you could feel the anticipation building as the sky darkened. Soon, red lights flickered on, tracking mounts hummed quietly and everyone settled into their own little patch of sky. 

Some nights were perfect. Others were a race against incoming clouds. But even when the weather threatened, there was always something to enjoy: sharing views of galaxies, capturing widefield Milky Way shots or simply talking astronomy with people who love it as much as you do. 

An atlas gem 

One highlight was meeting CHAOS’s unofficial mascot, a potbellied pig named Pepper, who made her rounds greeting attendees. Another was exploring the park’s beautiful riverside trails during the day, where the trees are marked with nature ID signs. And of course, nothing beats that first moment each night when the constellations fully emerge and the sky becomes a dome of stars. 

Pepper making her rounds 

By the end of the week, I had logged four solid nights of observing, a stack of memories and plenty of laughs with friends old and new. CHAOS and state park staff were fantastic hosts, and the atmosphere remained friendly, helpful and down-to-earth the whole time. It was truly worth the long drive. 

As I packed up the camper and headed north back home, I couldn’t help but think: We’ll definitely be back next year. And maybe we’ll convince a few more club members to join us under those beautiful Staunton River skies. 

A portion of the Markarians Chain, which is part of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster 

---

The next Star Party at Staunton River State Park will be held Oct. 5-11. Admission costs $110 for the full week and $60 for the weekend. This fee includes camping privileges on the park’s Dark Sky Observation Field.  

Furnished cabins and water/electric campsites are available for rent.  

To learn more or register, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2025-12-31-11-03-35-521140-3gp.