Spruce Knob, WV is one of the darkest sites on the East Coast -- An observer's paradise.

This group is dedicated to the amateur astronomers who frequent this magnificent area in search of truly dark skies. The group will assist amateurs to coordinate observing sessions and get to know one another better.

This is an open, unmoderated group. Members should feel free to post any relevant information, observing notes, plans for observing sessions, etc. as they relate to the observing in the Spruce Knob area.

John Nusbaum of Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC), started this list to coordinate observing at Gatewood Campground near Spruce Knob in 2000. Unfortunately shortly after the National Forest Service installed a concessionaire that started charging for camping. In the early days, observers pooled their resources to rent the entire site for the new moon weekend each month. This continued until about 2007 when the camping fees became too high to continue to do this.

About this time, Bob Parks of NOVAC, established an observing agreement with The Mountain Institute near Spruce Knob. NOVAC has subsidized observing for its members, reserving several camping and dorm bunks each new moon from Spring to Fall. Many Gatewood observers have become NOVAC members to take advantage of this opportunity. For more info and to join NOVAC, visit : http://www.novac.com/sites/


In Spring of 2013, Bob Parks will open his new observing location to a limited number of new members. Cave Mountain Observatory Retreat (CMOR) is located within the Spruce Knob/Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area near Upper Tract, WV. CMOR is a private club that provides an extremely dark (Bortle Class 1) observing location that is available to its members 365 days a year.
For more info visit : http://cavemtn.com/ or join the Yahoo groups site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CMOR/

Welcome and enjoy the Dark Skies!