Did you know we have a Solar System Ambassador? Did you know we're not far away from the largest known impact crater in the United States? Do you want to know what it's like to be an astronaut? or what you can learn from the constellations? Shenandoah National Park celebrates its annual Night Sky Festival on Aug. 11-13 at various sites on Skyline Drive, to talk about these things and more.

Ranger-led programs will focus on animals that rely on dark skies, each planet’s role in the solar system, and stories told by the constellations. There will be opportunities for stargazing, constellation tours, Junior Ranger activities and more.

Park Rangers and guest speakers will encourage visitors to gain appreciation for dark skies through a variety of special programs and activities. Programs and presentations will take place at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6 on Skyline Drive), Mathews Arm Campground Amphitheater (mile 22.1), Skyland Amphitheater (mile 42.5), Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows (mile 51) and Loft Mountain Amphitheater (mile 79.5).

Astronaut and space scientist Tom Jones

Veteran astronaut and space scientist Tom Jones returns this year with three presentations in Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium. Jones will present:

• “When Rocks Attack: Defending Earth from Asteroids” and “Beyond Earth: Humanity’s Future in Space” Saturday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• “Sky Walking: An Astronaut’s Journey” Sunday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m.

• “The Future of U.S. Human Spaceflight” Sunday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m. in Big Meadows Lodge Massanutten Room

NASA Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern

Also making a return this year is NASA Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern. Attend Redfern’s presentations in Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium for:

• “The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater” Friday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m.

• “Shenandoah Skies and the Perseids” all three nights, Aug. 11-13, at 6 p.m.

Telescope Party

Join amateur astronomers for a “Telescope Party” Saturday, Aug. 12 at 10:30 p.m. to view stars and the Perseid meteor shower in two locations: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center with Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, or Big Meadows with Rappahannock Astronomy Club, Richmond Astronomical Society and the University of Virginia Department of Astronomy.

Artist-in-Residence Paul Atkinson will share his approach to night sky landscape photography during his program “Making Art in the Dark” Friday, Aug. 11, at 3:30 p.m. in Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium. The Artist-in-Residence program is financially supported by Shenandoah National Park Trust.

The festival is sponsored by Delaware North, the park’s concessioner and Shenandoah National Park Association. For a full list of Night Sky Festival activities, visit nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/night-sky-festival.

Heat advisory: Heat advisory Friday in Augusta County area, temps could reach mid-90s

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Shenandoah National Park Night Sky Festival NASA astronauts