Starry Skies Over Loudoun
by geneviève de Messières
Once a month , hopeful stargazers gather at Sky Meadows State Park , nextdoor to Loudoun County , for an evening of free astronomy outreach with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club and NASA Solar System Ambassadors . Many cluster around the powerful telescopes , while others spread out on the lush , rolling parkland to enjoy the spectacle overhead . As the pink streaks of sunset fade , one star — or perhaps it ’ s a planet — shines through the dusk overhead . Then , more and more become visible .
Only fifty miles from brightly lit Washington , DC , Sky Meadows is one of Virginia ’ s five dark sky parks , recognized by the International Dark-sky Association ( IDA ). “ The sky is our largest resource ,” says Erin Clark , Chief Ranger Visitor Experience at Sky Meadows State Park . “ To educate visitors about the sky and about light pollution — the easiest pollution that we can fix — is why we started these astronomy programs . We are as close as you can get to Washington , DC while still having dark skies .” With so many parks committing to use responsible lighting to preserve the starry sky overhead , Virginia is the dark sky capital east of the Mississippi . Dark skies are now included among the Scenic Resources in the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation ’ s Outdoor Plan , acknowledging that Virginians recognize the beauty , ecological value , and tourism opportunity of starry skies .
During a skygazing evening , the field at Sky Meadows is so dark that visitors make their way between telescopes using dim flashlights covered with red cellophane . Once their eyes adjust , the astronomers start hearing gasps as people spot the Milky Way stretching overhead . Even where town lights veil the galaxy from sight , a stargazing evening offers views of celestial wonders .
“ The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club appreciates the partnerships we ’ ve had with public spaces in Loudoun County , such as at Franklin Park , Rust Library in Leesburg , and Woodgrove High School ,” says Alan Goldberg , vice president of the club . “ We welcome
Jupiter shines to The left of the Milky Way in the skies over the Great Meadow Foundation .
18 wander I spring • summer 2023