Virginia Beach.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Virginia Beach, VA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Virginia Beach
- Top Community Pick: Kempsville Community Recreation Center (~8.9 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 1 at Bodie Island
- Local Experts: Back Bay Amateur Astronomers
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Virginia Beach is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Kempsville Community Recreation Center for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Bodie Island provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 1. The local landscape of Virginia Beach offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Virginia Beach
For the best results in Virginia Beach, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Virginia Beach Observers
Because Kempsville Community Recreation Center is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Virginia Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Kempsville Community Recreation Center
" Classes are two part - in class instructional, followed by a stroll outside to look up and see the night skies through telescopes provided. (Weather permitting) How to Buy a Telescope/Deep Sky Buying a telescope for a child The three main types of telescopes How they work What NOT to buy Accessories Deep Sky Objects- Star Clusters, Nebulae, Galaxies Weather permitting- various night sky targets will be viewed outside Class fee $5 per person - center membership or day pass is required, or a qualifying insurance membership such as Silver Sneakers. "
Boardwalk Astronomy Site
" {'Come join the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers as we support the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum (formerly the Old Coast Guard Station) at the 24t "
Chesapeake Planetarium
" {'Register at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cityofchesapeake/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=winter%20 "
Equestrian Area Northwest River Park
" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "
Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park
" Event Etiquette: No running or playing around the telescopes. The dust and sand can be harmful to telescope optics. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Bodie Island
Cape Hatteras NS
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Bodie Island in Cape Hatteras NS on 11/14/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.76 SQM."
Bodie Island
Cape Hatteras NS
"Re-visit of site from 2007. Bodie lighthouse is not operational at this time. Recent Hurricane Irene has limited access to most of Cape Hattera NS. Previous sites at "Boardwalk 27" and Frisco are not accessible due to Hwy 12 washouts. We planned on capturing data at Oregon Inlet Campground for "dark site", but upon return at night, found intense (DOT construction style) lights at roadblock just south of campground. These lights were too bright to collect data. The lights are present as alight dome from the maintenance/housing site, appearing almost due south. There is also a single bright white, unshielded light in the maintenance area to the north. Other light domes are visible to the west and north (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, etc.). The Milky Way is prominent in anorth south alignment and Jupiter is bright in the eastern sky. A few passing clouds were visible prior to and during the 1st data set. Overall, a nice clear sky for the second consecutive night. There is a high extinction due to the excessive moisture in the air. This site is somewhat shielded from sea spray by a row of sand dunes (5-10 meters high). While power had been off earlier in the week, I believe that most lights (especially to the north) or now operational. The lights of Hatteras Island may not be on because of no access, but the light dome from the temporary road block prevents us from seing anything to the south."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore is located off the coast of Carteret County, North Carolina, and consists of three natural barrier islands that are a total of 56…
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River State Park is a 971-hectare property situated squarely in the heart of southern Virginia, about 40 km north of the North Carolina border.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.