Date Confirmed: August 16, 2025
Calling all members that have been looking for a chance to try out “Dark Sky” photography but do not have a “Dark Sky” where you live! The August field trip is to Sky Meadows State Park, Turner Pond entrance, an International Dark Sky Park where “Astronomical Observation” is allowed between dusk and 2:00 AM any clear evening.
This is a “learning” field trip, especially for those of us that have not done Dark Sky photography before. As many of us will be new to this genre of photography, we will be doing our research on camera techniques, tips, and tricks to prepare for our mini-expedition!
When:
Sat 16-Aug-2025, or
Sun 17-Aug-2025, or
Fri 22-Aug-2025, or
Sun 24-Aug-2025
This field trip requires clear weather, so we have identified four dates to maximize the chance of finding a clear night. The table includes both the time of sunset and the time that night (“true dark”) begins. Night begins at the end of astronomical twilight.
| Date | Sunset | True Dark | Moonrise |
| Sat 16-Aug-2025 | 8:04 PM | 9:43 PM | 11:28 PM |
| Sun 17-Aug-2025 | 8:03 PM | 9:41 PM | 12:11 AM |
| Fri 22-Aug-2025 | 7:56 PM | 9:32 PM | 5:39 AM (7:51 PM Set) |
| Sun 24-Aug-2025 | 7:53 PM | 9:39 PM | 7:51 AM (8:38 PM Set) |
Plan on arriving a little before Sunset so you can park, attend to the entrance fee, and set up before dark.
Where:
Sky Meadow State Park, Turner Pond Entrance (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5SmQgWyAfxqvZtP2A; 38.993560, -77.951130).
To reach this area take US Route 17 North from I66. The Turner Pond entrance is just North of the main Sky Meadow State Park entrance.
Cost:
Admission: $10 for entrance to Sky Meadow State Park ( Virginia Start Park Parking Fees ), payable at the self-pay kiosk near the parking area.
Equipment and Notes:
Equipment:
- Any Modern Digital Camera (Mirrorless and DSLR provide greater quality and flexibility)
- Wide angle lens with an aperture of at least f4 and focal length of 16-24mm (or 10-16mm on a crop sensor)
- Tripod
- Remote release
- Headlamp (Use the “Red” mode if possible
- A portable chair so you can relax and enjoy the evening
Camera Operations Basics:
- Be prepared to use manual mode on your camera (where you set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO)
- Be prepared to manually focus your camera as you may need to make fine focus adjustments to get the sharpest images, even if your camera has an “infinity” marking
- Be ready to take exposures of 15 to 20 seconds
Web References – Presented without any recommendation:
- Night Sky Photography for Beginners | The Planetary Society
- Astrophotography for beginners: How to shoot the night sky | Space
- The beginner’s guide to photographing the night sky | Digital Camera World
- Star Photography – The Definitive Guide [2025] – Dave Morrow Photography
Seton Droppers and Christopher Fedorchak
Field Trip Coordinators 2025-2026