Aurora Viewing in the South

10 May 2024
Scottsburg, VA

A rare light show this far south, we traveled across the border into Virginia to see if we might be able to experience an Aurora.

Today's post is because of Beth. The Aurora photos are hers, taken with an iPhone, using techniques she researched.

Leave a comment if you would like us to write a post about how to take night sky photos with an iPhone.

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Leave home, after de-winterizing our fresh water system.

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Roxboro, NC  Stop for gas, and then tissues and toilet paper, two things we forgot to pack on our first outing of the year.

1630  65,480  78°  Scottsburg, VA

Staunton River State Park

Checked-in at the visitor center and confirmed that we could stay in the parking lot overnight.

We paid for this campsite, but preferred to be in the parking lot next to the open field.

The park loans out telescopes on a first come, first served, basis. There is no charge to borrow one overnight.

Our scope was named Andromeda.

We explored a little during waiting for evening to fall. Here's a link for trail info:  Trail Guide

This tobacco drying barn was part of one of several plantaions that became the State Park.

Canoe launch on the Staunton River.

Not open yet, this big pool is a short walk from the campground.

Our spot for the evening. We were spoiled compared to the group of Chapel Hill astronomers staying it pup tents in the field next door.

The reason Beth picked this park is because it is the closest Dark Sky area to our home in Durham. It was the first Dark Sky Observation Area certified in Virginia.

Beth set-up the telescope as the sun was setting, while there was still enough light that she could see the controls.

2102 Lots of Clouds

Looking through the windshield as the sun set wasn't encouraging.

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The sky cleared and we started seeing moving lights. They looked like grayish moving clouds to the naked eye, even though we had avoided light for several hours.

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Colors and moving pillars of light

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We're thankful for the dark sky rules, because the parking lot lights (lower left) are turned off for the night.

Two couples drove up from Raleigh after midnight and were enjoying the night sky next to us. None of us knew each other, but it was fun to share the experience.

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Long before sunrise, the northern horizon was bright with multi-colored shafts of light.

0334 Big Dipper

Experiencing our first aurora was amazing. What a treat to see one without having to go someplace with freezing temperatures!

Here's a Video Composite and a couple of short videos to give you a  of little taste of how the northern lights moved in the sky.  There were even a few shooting stars!

After sleeping in until after sunrise, we returned the telescope and thanked the staff. 

We made breakfast and then drove around the park and captured a few river views.

The Staunton and Dan rivers meet in the park to form Kerr or Buggs Island Lake. The name depends upon whether North Carolina or Virginia is labeling the map.

Most of the park buildings were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's. 

Beth was busy using Merlin Bird ID, to identify the birds we could hear calling, but couldn't see. Can you add it to your birding list if you only hear it, but don't actually see it? There were several there that we don't see or hear at home.

1008  65,485   63°  Leave State Park

Being close to Kerr Lake, we decided to check out some US Army Corp of Engineers parks on the way home.

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Staunton View COE Park

No Camping, but great river views...

and a COE boat launch. The ramp slope is shallow enough that we could probably launch our sailing kayak here.

1128 Bridge into Clarksville, VA

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Buggs Island Brewing has a nice outdoor seating area with a view of the lake and bridge, but it wasn't open yet.

Further into town we found that Sugar It Up bakery was open.

The bakery occupies a tobacco factory office built in 1850. 

We split three sweet treats as morning snacks over the next few days.  We will stop here again!

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Longwood Park COE Campground

Nice campground with 66 sites, most of which had lake views. There are hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

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The swim beach was a little disappointing. While you can see the bay leading to deeper water in one direction, railroad gondolas and a road detract from the inland view.

0649 65,591  69°  Home

A chickadee welcomed us back to our tiny bit of nature.

Staunton River State Park
May 10 - 11, 2024

(click on any photo to enlarge)