Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Taurids Meteor Shower

Location of Staunton River State Park in Virginia

Where

Staunton River State Park, 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, VA 24589.
Observation Field

When

Sept. 7, 2026 12:00 a.m. - Dec. 10, 2026 11:00 p.m.

The Taurids is a long-running minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is unusual because it consists of two separate streams. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004TG10. The second stream is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower runs annually from September 2 to December 10 and peaks in 2026 on the night of November 4th. The waning crescent moon should not pose much of a problem for viewing. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Taurus but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Guests are welcome to gather on the Observation Field during this event and watch for meteors. We recommend chairs or blankets for stargazing during this event because of the wide-open space. Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary. Parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot, and the restrooms will be open. This is a self-guided program and does not include ranger-led instruction.

meteor shower

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-572-4623
Email Address: StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov