Star Parties Return to Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

Gaze at the heavens with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Shenandoah Astronomical Society (SAS). Telescopes are provided, or you may bring your own. SAS members can teach you how to use it. Bring camp chairs or blankets. This year’s Saturday evening dates coincide with three forecasted meteor showers: 

• April 23 at 8 p.m.: Lyrid Meteor Shower
• August 13 at 8:15 p.m.: Perseid Meteor Shower
• Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m.: Orionid Meteor Shower

All three programs are free and happen at Thoburn’s Redoubt at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park in Middletown, Virginia. This property is preserved by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) and marks where the Battle of Cedar Creek began on October 19, 1864. Each event begins with an astronomy talk by a member of the SAS.

Thoburn’s Redoubt is in a remote area and has no facilities or amenities. A single, handicapped-accessible toilet will be there for the evening. The property does not have a street address. From U.S. Highway 11 just south of Middletown, turn onto Water Plant Road. Go 1 mile to the intersection with Long Meadow Road. Turn right onto Long Meadow Road. Go 0.1 mile. Turn right onto Bowman's Mill Road. Go 1.4 miles. The Thoburn Redoubt Tract is marked by a Civil War Trails sign and some roadside exhibits. Turn right into the property. 

The latitude and longitude of the property are 38°59'55.4"N, 78°19'10.7"W. 

In case of inclement weather, check the Facebook page for Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park (@CedarCreekNPS), or call 540-869-3051 for an update.

Original source can be found here.