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Media Center - News Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 26, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Staunton River State Park invites astronomers to the Fall Star Party

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Milky Way - Photo Credit Jonathan Piques)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Staunton River Dark Sky Observation Field)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Staunton River Star Party)

SCOTTSBURG, Va. – Staunton River State Park is thrilled to announce its upcoming Fall Star Party sponsored by the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS). This week-long astronomy festival gives stargazing enthusiasts of all ages the chance to experience the night sky at an International Dark Sky Park like they’ve never done before.

From Oct. 20 through Oct. 26, astronomers are invited to bring their telescopes and camp on the park’s Dark Sky Observation Field, which is renowned for its dark sky and excellent stargazing conditions. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, attendees can hear from different speakers on a variety of topics, such as collimation.

Admission to the Fall Star Party is $110 for the full week or $60 for the weekend (Thursday-Sunday). These prices include camping privileges. To learn more about the Fall Star Party or to register, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/events.

The Star Party is open to the public on Friday, Oct. 24. From 8 to 10 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to meet the astronomers on the observation field and explore the cosmos themselves.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. 

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