The beauty of the valley isn't limited to what's on the ground or can only be seen during daylight.

• The Shenandoah Valley Stargazers meets periodically to stargaze and to discuss astronomy. The club also provides speakers to schools and other groups interested in learning about astronomy. The Stokesville Observatory in Mount Solon can be booked for private observing sessions for groups of up to 18 people. The club currently has 35 members. Telescopes will be available at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton on Aug. 2 and Sept. 5. Admission is free to the museum after 6 p.m. on those dates. A telescope clinic is scheduled for Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Stokesville Observatory. Members of the public are encouraged to bring their own telescopes to set up and show to the members. The club will also sponsor an open house, free to the public, at the Stokesville Observatory on Oct. 4 to celebrate Astronomy Day. 248-6293. www.valleystargazers.com
• The Shenandoah Astronomical Society meets at Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. A monthly newsletter is also available online. The society hosts Public Astronomical Observing sessions at various locations in the surrounding area including Historic Long Branch in Millwood, and Shenandoah River State Park near Front Royal. Membership dues are $20 a year. http://home.att.net/~shenastro