Watch the Heavens Above From Chincoteague, VA
As children, most of us spent a fair amount of time looking at the night sky. We counted stars, looked for constellations, made wishes. However, for many people, our interest in the cosmos didn’t end as we grew up.
Up and down the east Coast beaches of America, young and old alike gather to watch the night sky. This time we are taking a closer look at the region of Chincoteague and Assateague islands for stargazers to gather and watch the night sky. This is a great location for those seeking to view the skies above at night. During the day, take in the sights around the region and then in the evening set up shop to capture the night sky above. Light pollution is very low, allowing for some great observations. Families will go out with blanket and telescope or binocular in hand and relax under the stars on the beach. Be careful as sand is very fine, and can damage electronic equipment such as telephones and cameras, although it is good at polishing up jewelry. Many folks will cover their equipment prior to use with a plastic covering, i.e. trash bags etc.
Assateague Island is managed by three official park agencies. Assateague Island National Seashore is cared for and managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Department of Natural Resources. Visitors to the park in Virginia enjoy the beach plus find opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (established in 1943). The beach, wildlife, dunes, wetlands and marsh islands are protected for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment.
In 1962, Assateague Island National Seashore was established for the purpose of protecting Assateague Island in the states of Virginia and Maryland. The National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service help protect Assateague Island's splendor. Assateague Island National Seashore is administered to provide for recreational use and enjoyment consistent with the perpetuation and maintenance of the seashore's natural environment. Assateague is vital for resting and feeding migratory shorebirds and other abundant bird species. Over 320 species of birds can be found here. Assateague Island is a priceless seashore ecosystem and a sustainable resource that all visitors can appreciate.
Assateague Island is a great vacation destination within easy reach for many East Coast residents. Sightseeing cruises, kayak tours, crabbing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, biking and other activities continually make this a paradise for visitors that enjoy outdoor recreation. Assateague Island has over 37 miles of beautiful beach. This is considered one of best beaches on the entire East Coast. Search for seashells as you walk the pristine white sands. You can enjoy swimming in the picturesque waves along the Atlantic coastline here or just relax on Assateague's vast unspoiled beaches. The Assateague Lighthouse is on the way to the beach and it is one of the most famous in the nation. You will find nearby amenities at Chincoteague Island and Ocean City such as seafood restaurants and lodging in the form of hotels, cottages, beach houses, campgrounds and bed & breakfasts. Visitor attractions and a relaxing atmosphere make Assateague Island a great destination. Be prepared to have fun, and you may want to visit Assateague again on your next vacation.
Who knew that an island dominated by wild ponies would also become a prime location for viewing rocket launches carrying precious cargo to the International Space Station? Under a $1.9 billion contract with NASA, at least eight missions will leave from the mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
The islands of Chincoteague and Assateague on the eastern shore of Virginia are perfectly positioned to offer spectacular public viewing sites as well as lodging options on the Chincoteague Bay and Assateague Channel offering private balcony views.
Please be aware that a variety of unforeseen circumstances may cause the rocket launch to “slip” for a day or longer. There are weather, mechanical, or logistical situations that may occur to interrupt the launch schedule. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands offer endless opportunities to stay and play while awaiting the next “window of opportunity.” Explore our website for options.
Feel free to visit this link by clicking here. At the bottom of page are listed some of the better locations on the island for viewing rocket launches.
NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, located on Virginia's eastern shore, was established in 1945 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as a center for aeronautic research. Today, Wallops is NASA's principal facility for management and implementation of suborbital research programs.
The research and responsibilities of Wallops Flight Facility are centered around providing a fast, low-cost, highly-flexible and safe response to meet the needs of the U.S. aerospace technology interests and science research. The 1,100 full-time civil service and contractor NASA Wallops employees act as a team to accomplish Wallops' critical missions. Feel free to visit the Wallops visitor center, open daily Since its beginnings as a facility for conducting high-speed research on aerodynamic designs, Wallops has launched more than 16,000 rockets carrying aircraft models, space and earth science experiments, technology development payloads, and satellites. In 2014 the facility will continue supporting cargo services to the International Space Station using Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares launch vehicle. Partnering with academia, industry and other government facilities in the mid-Atlantic region, Wallops will be a test site for the development of unmanned aerial vehicle use in the national airspace system.
Wallops is NASA’s only rocket launch range. It supports missions for suborbital and orbital rocket vehicles by providing range safety, surveillance, vehicle tracking and communications, command systems, meteorological services, optical systems, a range control center, payload processing and launch vehicle integration facilities. In addition, the range’s mobile assets can be deployed to support rocket launches at Wallops and other worldwide locations. The Wallops rocket range supports a variety of projects that include launching first-time vehicles as well as those with a proven track record. In 2014, the range has three orbital and approximately 10 suborbital rocket launches scheduled.
Wallops also has a research airport that includes three aircraft runways. The airport supports testing and operations of a wide variety of NASA, Department of Defense and commercial aircraft. In addition, an unmanned aerial systems runway is located on Wallops Island for testing small UAS vehicles.
NASA suborbital vehicle programs at the Wallops Flight Facility support Earth and space research and technology development. The programs support researchers from NASA, other government agencies, educational institutions and international organizations. In addition, these vehicles support educational programs providing the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians with opportunities
Located in the heart of historic downtown Chincoteague, the Comfort Suites hotel offers the ideal way to enjoy all the nature, history, recreation and adventure of Chincoteague Island. What you won't find here are high rises, boardwalks or traffic jams. Chincoteague Island is a serene, yet fun-filled tourist destination. Come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of Virginia's only resort island.
In town, there's great shopping, dining, galleries, boat rentals and fishing excursions. A visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island offers guests the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the 260 species of birds as well as the wild Chincoteague ponies. The Refuge offers a rare opportunity to see the wild ponies in their natural habitat. Additionally, miles of biking and walking trails wind through pine woods, marshes and freshwater ponds.
Suites feature king-size or double queen beds, private waterfront balconies, and a comfortable sitting area with a table and chairs, as well as a cozy sofa bed. All are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers and cable television with free HBO. Handicap accessible suites are available. This gracious 87-suite hotel is 100 percent smoke-free and provides FREE high-speed wireless internet access in every suite.
4195 Main Street Chincoteague Island, Virginia, 23336, United States Find hotels near Chincoteague by clicking here(757) 336-3700
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