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Local Dark Sky Locations

 

Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
 

No we usually stay until 11(2300) at night. We have arrangements for the equestrian area so the 9 closing does not apply to the monthly skywatch.

As to other spots you almost have to own land or have an arrangement with a private land owner. There is a Cornland event that perhaps someone familiar with it can address.



On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12:57:59 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:


Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
 

We don't as of now, but that's a worthy project to see if we can work out!


On Sat, Feb 8, 2025 at 4:09?PM Aaron via <aaron.cominio=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
 

Usually access or opportunity comes with personal contacts as one grows in the hobby. So few places allow access after dark due to liability or concerns for, at the least, bad behavior, and at the worst something else. A long time ago some of our younger observers might push the limits of property rights which is a bad image for astronomers in general. Urbanization has exacerbated access and made dark skies difficult unless you own rural land. Parks and such are wary of activity after sunset as a general rule. I once had property south of Pungo and offered viewing opportunities in a safe location. Surprisingly few took up the offer though some did. Remote locations after dark can carry a fair amount of risk. As one friend who was a retired police officer said "after dark it is a different world out there".?

We do have a twice a year star party at Chippokes State Park for three nights twice a year.

The good news is planets, moon, and double/multiple stars don't much care about light pollution so there is always something to look at even in the most urban areas.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 04:09:12 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:


Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?

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