Let's Talk About Space in Shenandoah

Thornton Gap Entrance Station Advisory

Due to a fire at the entrance gate, Thornton Gap - one of the park's busiest entrance stations - will be down to one lane. Please plan accordingly.

You may also pre-purchase your park pass online at recreation.gov, which will make the overall entrance station experience go quicker.

Galaxy Rising - © Greg Redfern

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern for engaging presentations about outer space!

"Under the Stars at Shenandoah National Park" - If the sky is clear after the presentation, guests will move outdoors to see the night sky in all its glory while listening to sky lore and fascinating sky facts!

Presentations are held select dates at Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge. Free to all park visitors. Program start time varies based on sunset. A jacket is recommended and a flashlight is helpful.

Click Tabs For Schedule Details:

DATE      
 TIME        
TOPIC
Jun 25
 9:00 PM
So, You Want To Be An Astrophotographer? - This engaging presentation will teach the audience basics on how to photograph Shenandoah National Park and the sky while visiting.
Jul 2
 9:00 PM  The Sky IS Falling - Space Rocks and You - Learn about meteorites and see actual meteorites from Mars, Chelyabinsk, Russia, and the Moon. 
Jul 16
 9:00 PM The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater - The world's 7th largest known impact crater is under the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA. Hear the inside story, and view extremely rare geological samples from within CBIC. 
Aug 13
 9:00 PM
 		 The Future of US Human Spaceflight - Learn where NASA is headed, literally, with new manned spacecraft and rockets to launch the next generation of American astronauts.
Aug 27
 9:00 PM
 		 Mount Wilson Observatory - Learn about the observatory where discoveries changed our view of the Universe forever.
Sept 3
 8:00 PM
 		 New Horizons to Pluto And Beyond - 2015 was the year we got to see Pluto, the dethroned 9th planet of our solar system, up close and personal. Learn about the famous dwarf planet.
Sept 17
 8:00 PM
 		 This Isn't Your Grandaddy's Moon - Guests will learn the latest about the missions sent to the Moon by NASA, China, and India, plus manned efforts. Guests will also learn about the Moon's origin and evolution.
Oct 8
 8:00 PM
 The Lives of the Stars - How do the stars, including our Sun, shine? How are they born, how do they live, and ultimately die? You'll never look at the stars the same after you learn their secrets. 
Oct 29
 8:00 PM The Universe and You - Guests will learn about the fascinating Universe in which they live, are made from and are part of.
Nov 5
 8:00 PM JWST-NASA's Successor to Hubble Space Telescope - The 2021 space telescope successor to the HST seen up close and personal with latest pics and info direct from NASA.

DATE      
 TIME        
TOPIC
Jun 22
 9:00 PM
So, You Want To Be An Astrophotographer? - This engaging presentation will teach the audience basics on how to photograph Shenandoah National Park and the sky while visiting.
Jul 13
 9:00 PM  The Sky IS Falling - Space Rocks and You - Learn about meteorites and see actual meteorites from Mars, Chelyabinsk, Russia, and the Moon. 
Jul 27
 9:00 PM The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater - The world's 7th largest known impact crater is under the Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA. Hear the inside story, and view extremely rare geological samples from within CBIC. 
Aug 10
 9:00 PM
 		 The Future of US Human Spaceflight - Learn where NASA is headed, literally, with new manned spacecraft and rockets to launch the next generation of American astronauts.
Aug 11-13
   Shenandoah National Park Night Sky Festival - Details to be finalized. Check back in early summer.
Aug 24
 9:00 PM
 		 Mount Wilson Observatory - Learn about the observatory where discoveries changed our view of the Universe forever.
Sept 14
 8:00 PM
 		 New Horizons to Pluto And Beyond - 2015 was the year we got to see Pluto, the dethroned 9th planet of our solar system, up close and personal. Learn about the famous dwarf planet.
Sept 28
 8:00 PM
 		 This Isn't Your Grandaddy's Moon - Guests will learn the latest about the missions sent to the Moon by NASA, China, and India, plus manned efforts. Guests will also learn about the Moon's origin and evolution.
Oct 19
 8:00 PM
 The Lives of the Stars - How do the stars, including our Sun, shine? How are they born, how do they live, and ultimately die? You'll never look at the stars the same after you learn their secrets. 
Oct 26
 8:00 PM The Universe and You - Guests will learn about the fascinating Universe in which they live, are made from and are part of.
Nov 2
 8:00 PM JWST-NASA's Successor to Hubble Space Telescope - The 2021 space telescope successor to the HST seen up close and personal with latest pics and info direct from NASA.
Please review our Service Updates that impact your visit
See All The Lodging Options Shenandoah Has to Offer
First Access to Exclusive Discounts, Events, & Offers
  • National Park Service Authorized Concessioner logo
  • Virginia Is For Lovers Logo
  • GreenPath logo
  • Guestpath logo
  • Certificate of Excellence
P.O. Box 727, Luray, Virginia 22835 | 877-847-1919
© 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc.