NOVAC invites serious amateurs from up and down the east coast to join us at what we believe is the premier dark sky site in the East!

The Year Long Star Party is held during the new moon weekend of the warmer months of the year. This is a “no frills” star party which caters to those who require the very darkest skies to carry out their astronomical observation or imaging program. New or inexperienced observers are certainly welcome but there will be no scheduled program or training provided. 

In all cases, we ask that everyone try to be sensitive to the idea that many of the people observing at this location may have invested thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in order to experience just these very few nights under a truly dark sky.

The Year Long Star Party is held at the Gatewood Group Camping Area just west and slightly below Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia.  Gatewood is a limited access camping area that has been reserved on the nights listed in the schedule.  There is a locked gate at the entrance so you will need to follow the registration instructions to get the gate combination.  Note: we can no longer drive onto the observing field.

If you're looking for a serious dark sky observing site on the East Coast, you've found it.

• Information
• Schedule
• Registration
• Directions
• Pictures
• Observing reports
• Weather
• Contacts
• Help support NOVAC's Spruce Knob observing program with a donation!