Highland Star Parties Planned for September and October

September 3, 2021

According to a press release, plans have been finalized for the September and October Highland County star parties.  The dates for September are the 10, 11 or 12, depending on which of the three nights has the best viewing conditions with few clouds, calm air and low humidity.  The final decision as to which one of the three possible nights is selected, based on the weather forecast, will be made by Wednesday, September 8.  Stay tuned to WVLS-FM 89.7, the Highland County Star Gazer Facebook page, the Highland County Chamber of Commerce website or The Recorder Facebook page to hear which night is chosen for best visibility.  Hopefully the weather will allow for another star party to be held in October on either the 1, 2 or 3.

The star parties will be held at the Skip Jones property at 923 Sounding Knob Road atop Jack Mountain.  A number of knowledgeable amateur astronomers will be bringing their powerful telescopes to give attendees a chance to see celestial objects visible in Highland’s dark skies.  Bring your own telescopes and binoculars too.  Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, bring a folding lawn chair and plan to arrive around sundown at 7:25pm so you can get oriented to the layout before total darkness.  Carpool if you can, as parking at the site is limited.  Red glow sticks will be provided, because regular white flashlights diminish night vision.  The public is invited and there is no charge for these events which celebrate Highland County’s unique dark sky resource.

For more information contact Michael Bedwell at 540-468-2316 or mbedwell6@gmail.com

Following VDH and CDC guidelines, unvaccinated individuals should wear masks and all participants should maintain social distancing.

Story By

Bonnie Ralston

Bonnie Ralston is the Assistant Station Coordinator at WVLS and a Highland County news reporter. She began volunteering at Allegheny Mountain Radio in the fall of 2005. In 2006 she became an AMR employee and worked in Bath County for eight years as the WCHG Station Coordinator and then as the news reporter there. She began working in radio while in college and has stayed connected to radio, in one way or another, for more than thirty years. She grew up in Staunton, Virginia, while spending a lot of time on her family’s farm in Deerfield, Virginia. She enjoys spending time outside, watching old TV shows and movies and tending to her chickens.
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