Stargazing in Virginia

True astronomical darkness runs from 12:13 AM to 9:47 AM (9.6 hours) at Virginia's central latitude — this is the real window when the sky is darkest.

Cloud cover decides whether you can see anything at all, so check a local forecast before you go. In Virginia, skies are usually clearest after a cold front passes, and higher, drier sites tend to beat valleys and coasts. Hourly cloud outlook →

The Moon is Waning Crescent at 9% illumination. Moonlight shouldn't significantly interfere with deep-sky observing tonight. Full Moon details →

• Jupiter — visible in Leo, toward the East (up to 32° altitude).
• Saturn — visible in Cetus, toward the South (up to 54° altitude).
• Mars — visible in Cancer, toward the East (up to 46° altitude).

Draconids is active tonight. A minor, unpredictable shower best watched right after nightfall, unlike most showers which peak before dawn. Full calendar →

Next visible pass: Invalid Date. Live ISS tracker →

Current planetary Kp is 2.7; Virginia's central latitude needs roughly Kp 9.0 for aurora to become visible. Aurora is unlikely from most of the state tonight at current activity levels. Full Aurora forecast →

Planetary Kp is 2.7 right now. Full space weather conditions →

Darkness and Moon conditions tonight favor deep-sky and Milky Way viewing, assuming clear skies and distance from city lights. This doesn't account for light pollution at your specific spot — a real light-pollution measurement isn't currently available for this location, so use distance from city lights as a practical guide instead. Check Milky Way visibility →

Moonlight is low tonight, which favours the Milky Way and fainter deep-sky objects. 3 planets are realistically observable. Pick a dark site away from city lights and confirm the local cloud forecast before you go.

Staunton River State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park. Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive overlooks, such as Big Meadows, are also popular.

• Staunton River State Park — International Dark Sky Park in Southside Virginia.
• Shenandoah National Park (Big Meadows) — Mountain meadow with night-sky programs.

Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, the Piedmont, Southside, the Shenandoah Valley and the southwest mountains.

Heavy in the north and east; Southside and the mountains are darker.

Good from dark sites from late spring to early autumn.

Mountain overlooks and Southside parks work well.

Autumn has the clearest air.

Easy from anywhere.

Aurora is uncommon but possible during strong geomagnetic storms, usually as a glow low on the northern horizon. Watch the Kp index and find a dark, open view north.

Blue Ridge overlooks and old barns make good foregrounds.

Major meteor showers (Quadrantids, Lyrids, Perseids, Geminids), Milky Way core season and any eclipses apply here as they do nationally -- dates shift each year, so check the current calendar.

Check Skyline Drive and park after-dark access rules.