Events

2025 Fall Staunton River Star Party

Monday, July 21, 2025 1

Amid the stunning fall colors, astronomers will gather for fellowship and exploration, at the 2025 Fall Staunton River Star Party at Staunton River State Park, creating unforgettable nights under pristine dark skies and strengthening the bonds of the star party community.

The 2025 Fall Staunton River Star Party offers registration options covering the full week (Monday noon to Sunday noon) or the weekend only (Thursday morning to Sunday morning). Registration fees include access to the star party, observing privileges on the field, and camping privileges.

2025 Fall Staunton River Star Party Registration Details

Participants can upgrade from a weekend to a full-week registration if they change their minds. Payment should be made separately for each observer. For mail-in registration, participants must send their name, email address, registration type, and a check made out to CHAOS to P.O. Box 3001, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, postmarked by March 14, 2025. Confirmation will be sent by email upon receipt. Online registration closes October 12, 2025, and T-shirt orders close October 1, 2025.

Event Speakers

Speakers will present on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons.

John Raymond (Richmond Astronomical Society) offers a collimation clinic for Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, including in-field assistance.
Scott Jackson delivers an imaginative planetarium show, traveling faster than light through the Solar System, entertaining all ages while touching on fundamental astronomy.
Doug Lively and Michael Keefe present an introduction to Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA).
Steven Bellavia, aerospace engineer and telescope maker, speaks on the invisible universe, focusing on radio and gravity waves, and the latest discoveries beyond visible light.

Location and Directions

The star party is held at Staunton River State Park in Halifax County, Virginia, the state’s first international dark sky park. The park is located near Scottsburg, about 30 miles east of South Boston, Virginia, at 1170 Staunton Trail. Visitors should follow signs to the visitor center; the observing field is adjacent to it, with painted lines guiding setup.

Rules for Attendees

Generators may be used on the observing field but must be turned off at night. Attendees must follow park regulations, dispose of trash properly, and avoid fires or alcohol on the field. Pets must be contained, and red lights are required after sunset. Green lasers are only allowed on Saturday night until 10 PM. Vehicles leaving during dark hours should be parked near the pool complex. RVs must use designated areas, and electricity is reserved for astronomy equipment during nighttime hours. Violations may result in removal without refund, at the discretion of CHAOS officers and park rangers.

Amenities

Attendees may camp in tents or RVs on the field (without hookups) or reserve cabins and campsites with hookups nearby. Electricity is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with a charging station available for everyone. Limited internet access is near the visitor center, and weather updates will be provided. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a small store. The park also offers hiking, boating, birdwatching, and fishing, with North Carolina licenses honored.

The “Deep Space Diner” serves meals from 8 AM to midnight, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner specials, snacks, and bottomless coffee, tea, lemonade, or hot chocolate—especially if attendees bring back a previous star party cup for a discount.

History and Community

The Staunton River Star Party began in Fall 2011, organized by the Chapel Hill Astronomical & Observational Society (CHAOS) and Staunton River State Park. Over time, it has grown into a biannual gathering where friendships flourish under dark skies. CHAOS works closely with the park to prepare the field, install red lighting, and ensure power and internet are available, all aiming to create a relaxed and enjoyable event.