Category: News

News and Updates

  • Regional Star Parties

    For you far out planners the list was updated with the dates of a few that are set for 2014! Star parties are an important part of the amateur-astronomy scene. Offering dark skies and astronomical fellowship, these events often attract hundreds of enthusiasts. Here is a list of several star parties in and around the Mid-Atlantic area. Contact Us to add one! Read more […]

  • Cancer the Crab

    This month’s constellation is Cancer the crab. This month I have included all of the same types of items as in previous months, my presentation at the meeting plus observing lists of the NGC/IC objects in Cancer. These are available in astroplanner, excel and pdf format. I have also included information on comet Pan-Starrs since it is visible this month. I have a location chart showing which constellation to look in along with an ephemeris chart that is good until next year. This month I have also Read more […]

  • Crockett Public Night (March 9) – Messier Marathon – is ON!

    OK folks – The weather forecast looks great for tonight, so the public night Messier Marathon is ON. One complication – unfavorable soggy grass field conditions. Craig Johnson (Crockett Park Manager) indicated a potential for cars getting stuck on the field.   Members of the public: Due to anticipated poor grass field conditions, that we request that public guests park in the lower parking lot spaces in the parking lot directly ahead of the gate (after about 100 yards or so) since NOVAC Read more […]
  • Women of Astronomy

    Women of Astronomy

    Women’s Astronomical Discoveries from BC to Present. Presented by Claire and Scott Paisley at the the 30th annual NOVAC Star Gaze, on Saturday, October 6th 2012. This is a short powerpoint presentation of women’s contributions to Astronomy.         [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” Read more […]
  • AHSP Observing lists

    AHSP Observing lists

    I am working on the AHSP observing lists. I have changed the lists this year a little bit. I dropped the ETX-125 and will be adding a 20″ F5, and a 16″ F5. This is in addition to the lists that I will be continuing, a 25″ F5, a 12″ LX200, an 8″ LX200, and an 8″ F6. If there are any requests for a different size scope let me know.

  • Constellation Observing information

    Constellation Observing information

    NOVACians, I am creating this site with two goals in mind. One is to provide some highlights of each constellation for the inexperienced members. My other goal for the more experienced members is I will be creating observing lists of NGC/IC, and Messier objects in the following three formats. The formats are Astroplanner, Excel and PDF. All of the files will include a list of objects with Right Ascension, Declination of each object plus other data. Read more […]
  • GMU Observatory Spring Program

    GMU Observatory Spring Program

    Check out the session below that is going on over at GMU! There are bunch of opportunities through the early Spring, so check out the full event calendar for the list. Manuela Dal Forno and The World of Lichens – Research Hall Science Showcase (especially recommended for kids). 1st talk at 6PM (weather permitting), same talk at 6:45PM (weather permitting), observing starts at 6:30PM until 8PM (weather permitting). Observatory Website Campus Map – The George Mason University Observatory at Read more […]
  • Monthly Meeting – Feb 10th – Location change!

    Monthly Meeting – Feb 10th – Location change!

    Our next speaker is Eric Douglass and he will be speaking on Types of Observable Lunar Craters NOTE: This meeting will be held in the “Showcase Room” which is the meeting room at the base of the Research Hall Observatory instead of the normal location. Read more […]
  • Join NASA for a Star Party – Jan 19th

    Join NASA for a Star Party – Jan 19th

    Join NASA for a Star Party at David M. Brown Planetarium This coming Saturday from 5:30PM to 9:30PM – NOVAC is being asked to have members bring telescopes to help out if you want.

  • CANCELLED – C.M. Crockett and Great Meadow Public Night – Feb 2nd

    Pick your site and Come join us for a Public night at C.M. Crockett Park or Great Meadow. These are great locations to come out to; bring yourself or the whole family to see telescope views provided by members of NOVAC. Read more […]