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Star Gaze Data

Clear Sky Clock

GPS coordinates
38.38'.2"N, -77.43'.15"W 
Lat 38.634004, Lon -77.721107
The 27th Annual NOVAC Star Gaze

Saturday, October 17, 2009

3PM to 11PM

C.M. Crockett Park in Fauquier County, Virginia


Welcome Stargazers!


NOVAC invites you to the largest public star gaze in the Washington DC area. Learn about astronomy while enjoying the night sky with hundreds of telescopes, binoculars and homemade projects. Many experienced astronomers will be on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge. 

You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. All you need is an interest in the wonders of the cosmos. Easy access, lots of equipment and a dark sky make for a good night under the stars. Please join us!

Download printable Star Gaze flyer in pdf format.

Solar Observing begins at 3 PM

Hydrogen Alpha by Greg Piepol
Featured Speaker: Former Astronaut Bill Readdy

The keynote speaker will be Bill Readdy, former NASA astronaut. He is a veteran pilot astronaut, with three space shuttle flights. He has logged 672 hours in space. Bill is also a former Naval aviator and test pilot. At NASA headquarters, he served as Associate Administrator, with oversight of Kennedy, Johnson, Marshall, and Stennis Space Centers. Also at NASA, he had program oversight for the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle.


Directions Crockett Park is about 20 miles south of Manassas at 10066 Rogues Road (Rt. 602) Midland, VA, 22728. From Washington DC/Northern Virginia, go west on I-66 to exit 44 (234 South bypass around Manassas). Take 234 bypass approximately 3 miles to Rt. 28 West. Stay on Route 28 for about 13.7 miles through Nokesville, Catlett, and Calverton. Turn right on Rt. 643 (Meetze Rd.) towards Warrenton (Mayhugh's country store is on the corner) Go about a mile up Rt. 643 to the park entrance road (Rogues Rd.) on the left. Look for a small sign directing you to CM Crockett Park. Once on the park entrance road, go one-half mile to the park gate. After arriving at the main gate, continue past the gravel parking lot on the left to the paved parking lot at the end of the road. There will be telescopes setup in the nearby field. Dim your headlights when arriving and departing. Please do not drive onto the field.

Preparation begins before leaving homeDress warmly! The forecast low temperature for the event is 38°F. 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. Feel free to walk around and enjoy the sights through the equipment on display but please ask the owner before using. It's best to control children around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field.We look forward to seeing you!

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