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  • Astronomy Day

    Sky Meadows State Park 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA, United States
    Annual Event

    Join NOVAC for Astronomy Day! You’re invited to an exciting evening under the stars with NOVAC members at Astronomy Day! Explore the wonders of the night sky through a variety of telescopes and enjoy engaging activities including: • Solar observing • Guided sky tour • Night sky observing • Astronomy Presentations Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned observer, all are welcome—no experience or equipment needed. If you have binoculars or your own telescope, feel free to bring them along. Please Note: • Always ask before using someone else’s equipment. • Keep a close eye on children around telescopes. • Avoid bug spray and smoking near the observing area. • Pets are not allowed on the observing field. To preserve night vision, bring a red flashlight and dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving or leaving. Stay hydrated and plan to enjoy the evening as long as weather permits. Location: Sky Meadows State Park Parking Fee: $10 per vehicle Event Admission: Free! NOVAC Members: Free parking with valid membership card (printable from the members-only section) Interested in joining NOVAC? Sign up online and get your membership card in minutes! We look forward to seeing you there!

    Free

  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party

    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party
    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.  You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend.  Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC.  No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free. Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC’s astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

    Free

  • C.M. Crockett Public Night

    C. M. Crockett Park 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Before sunset, feel free to inspect the different telescopes and other visual equipment on the field. Have a cosmic question? One of our astronomers will be happy to help you. After sunset be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field as well (unless they are service animals). Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. If you’re arriving after dark, please dim your vehicle’s headlights as you approach the gravel parking lot. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation. Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details.

    Free

  • C.M. Crockett Public Night

    C. M. Crockett Park 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Before sunset, feel free to inspect the different telescopes and other visual equipment on the field. Have a cosmic question? One of our astronomers will be happy to help you. After sunset be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field as well (unless they are service animals). Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. If you’re arriving after dark, please dim your vehicle’s headlights as you approach the gravel parking lot. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation. Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details.

    Free

  • Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park

    Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park
    Sweet Run State Park 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park generally begins with a short evening hike along with family friendly activities in the Education Building (Red barn).  This is followed by astronomical viewing led by members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club.  See link below for scheduled times. Sweet Run State Park

    Free

  • C.M. Crockett Public Night

    C. M. Crockett Park 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Before sunset, feel free to inspect the different telescopes and other visual equipment on the field. Have a cosmic question? One of our astronomers will be happy to help you. After sunset be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field as well (unless they are service animals). Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. If you’re arriving after dark, please dim your vehicle’s headlights as you approach the gravel parking lot. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation. Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details.

    Free

  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party

    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party
    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.  You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend.  Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC.  No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free. Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC’s astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

    Free

  • Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park

    Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park
    Sweet Run State Park 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park generally begins with a short evening hike along with family friendly activities in the Education Building (Red barn).  This is followed by astronomical viewing led by members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club.  See link below for scheduled times. Sweet Run State Park

    Free

  • C.M. Crockett Public Night

    C. M. Crockett Park 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, United States
    Public Night

    Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Before sunset, feel free to inspect the different telescopes and other visual equipment on the field. Have a cosmic question? One of our astronomers will be happy to help you. After sunset be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field as well (unless they are service animals). Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. If you’re arriving after dark, please dim your vehicle’s headlights as you approach the gravel parking lot. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation. Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details.

    Free

  • Almost Heaven Star Party

    Experience Learning, Spruce Knob Mountain Center 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville, WV, United States
    Annual Event

    The Almost Heaven Star Party is NOVAC’s premier annual camping and observing event at the beautiful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Visit the AHSP site to learn more!