Official Club Observing Sites

NOVAC maintains formal agreements which grant the club access to eight observing sites in Northern Virginia.  Members can use these sites (for astronomical purposes) with the full cooperation of the landowners and authorities. 

The nature of the agreements do not allow us to disclose the exact location of all the Novac observing sites to the public. They are located in Loudoun, Fauquier and Fairfax counties. 

C.M.Crockett Park in Fauquier County, Virginia, and Sky Meadows State Park near Paris, Virginia, are used for public viewing events. NOVAC members provide telescopes for public viewing as part of the Smithsonian Institution's Sky Watching program. NOVAC members can access a complete listing of the official observing sites in the members section.

In addition to the official observing sites, there are several other places near Washington DC where NOVAC members observe.  

Some members make use of Little Bennett Regional Park and Tuckahoe State Park in Maryland. Others enjoy the dark skies at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park.  Watch the NOVAC member's e-mail list for announcements about events at these sites.

NOVAC maintains a relationship with The Mountain Institute at Spruce Knob. The Mountain Institute provides an outstanding observing location as well as civilized amenities like hot showers, meal service, and Internet access.

Because we use these sites with the permission of the landowner or the state/county authorities, there are some rules and restrictions governing their use. Please read through and understand the rules before visiting any of the sites. Refer to the official membership guide in the members section for further details.