SHENANDOAH VALLEY STARGAZERS

Member Benefits

Membership in the International Dark-Sky Association
- The IDA is a non-profit, membership-based organization. IDA's goal is to be effective -- through education about (a) the value and effectiveness of quality nighttime lighting and (b) of the solutions to the problems -- in stopping the adverse environmental impact of light pollution and space debris.

Membership in the The Astronomical League
- The AL offers members many benefits, including many Observe Award Programs, and a Quarterly Newsletter, the Reflector.

Camaraderie of viewing the heavens with those who share the same interests. Our club is growing rapidly, so come enjoy the fun.

Observatory Site Rules
(The site is owned by the Riddlebergers. It is important that we honor their request)

Club members have access to the observatory grounds for viewing and setting up their telescopes. The Observatory itself can only be opened and used by Co-Directors, Dr. Jon Staib and Jack Wine. Joey Reece and Earl Downs will serve in the event neither of the Co-Directors are available for Club functions. Club members may request a gate key that allows access to the observatory site. There is a $ 5 deposit, refundable upon return of key. You have 16 seconds after inserting the card key before the gate automatically closes.
Camping Restrictions
Camping Is allowed for open house events such as meteor showers, Messier marathons, or other club sponsored events. Any other camping is restricted to club members only and for the sole purpose of stargazing and must be approved by Jack Wine who is the Observatory Co-Director and liaison to the Riddleberger family who are the owners of the observatory and grounds. Camping must be in designated areas. Any use of existing electrical, water hook ups or existing camp sites is prohibited. For information on any of the above contact Jack Wine at starman34@comcast.net or by phone (540-248-0981)

Members are responsible for keeping the observatory and surrounding grounds in good condition. Pick up after yourself.

If you are going to build a campfire, use the fire pit. You may collect DOWNED firewood from the obsevatory site. Don't use someone's private collection that might seem handy. Make sure your campfire is out by dousing it with water from the spigot near the observatory.

When leaving the observatory site, use the normal entrance drive. The old exit road will only be used for special events. You will have to use the card key on exiting, as the gate will not lock in the up position any longer. After you open the gate, you have 16 seconds before it closes.

DO NOT USE THE ROAD IF IT IS COVERED WITH SNOW OR ICE. Also, the parking lot can be very muddy after a hard freeze and thawing, so be careful.

Motorcycles are not allowed inside of the gate. They may be parked to the side just outside of the gate.