2.0-//198.71.54.89//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.26.9//GREGORIANPUBLISHhttps://www.novac.com/wpAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/New_York2025-11-02T02:00:002026-11-01T02:00:00EST-04:00-05:002026-03-08T02:00:002027-03-14T02:00:00EDT-05:00-04:00ai1ec-186939@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZAHSP 2025<p>Dates for AHSP Event see <a href="http://ahsp.org/">http://www.ahsp.org</a> for event registration and details.</p>2025-08-222025-08-27en-USAHSP,Special EventChris Lee; ahsp@novac.com; http://www.ahsp.org186940https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/ahsp-2025/freeSee Site for Detailsai1ec-184072@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZNOVAC Public Meeting<p>See featured article on front page for more detail and link to join.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>America/New_York2023-04-09T19:30:00America/New_York2023-04-09T21:00:00MONTHLY22SUen-USMonthly Meeting,Public Night,Site AvailablePaul Severance; president@novac.comGeorge Mason University, Exploratory Hall, Room 3301 or Google Meet @ 10431 Rivanna River Way, Fairfax, VA 22030 or https://meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/novac-public-meeting-3/freeai1ec-184467@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZNational Park Week<p>Come out and celebrate National Park Week with NOVAC at the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center in Vienna, Virginia!</p> <blockquote class=""> <div class=""> <div class=""> <div class=""> <div class=""> <div class=""> <p class="x_MsoNormal"><span class=""><u class="">Special Notes</u>:<span class="" style="font-size: small"> <b class="">Volunteers may setup as early as 3:00 pm! </b><u class=""> <i class="">Solar viewing is an option.</i></u><b class="">  </b>If you’d like to bring a solar scope,<b class=""> let Kandi Mitchell, NOVAC Outreach Coordinator know</b> <b class="">ASAP</b> so we can get Wolf Trap to broadcast a start time before sunset.  They’ve agreed to do this if we can make the commitment to start early. The event will be held at 1551 Trap Road and be in the Meadow or in case of rain one of the pavilions. </span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </blockquote>America/New_York2023-04-28T17:00:00America/New_York2023-04-28T23:00:00en-USMonthly Meeting,Monthly Observing Session,Special EventKandi Mitchell; outreach@novac.comWolf Trap Performing Arts Center @ 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA184470https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/wolf-trap-performing-arts-center/freeai1ec-184074@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZNOVAC Public Meeting<p>See featured article on front page for more detail and link to join.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>America/New_York2023-05-07T19:30:00America/New_York2023-05-07T21:00:00en-USMonthly Meeting,Public Night,Site AvailablePaul Severance; president@novac.comGeorge Mason University, Exploratory Hall, Room 3301 or Google Meet @ 10431 Rivanna River Way, Fairfax, VA 22030 or https://meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/novac-public-meeting-5/freeai1ec-183607@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZAstronomy Day – CANCELED<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png" width="300" height="213" /></div><h4>RSVP <a href="https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-astronomy-club-novac/events/289857564?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link">here</a>.</h4> <h4>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</h4> <p>Activities during Astronomy Day will include a telescope meet and greet, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should also not be brought onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring them along, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>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. Please dim your vehicles headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. However the event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.</p> <p> </p> <h3>Head over to the <a title="Astronomy Day" href="http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/">Astronomy Day page</a> for more information.</h3>America/New_York2023-05-13T18:00:00America/New_York2023-05-13T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventAstronomy Day Coordinator; astronomy-day@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/astronomy-day-9/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png;300;213;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids.png;938;668;en-USAstronomy Day,Crockettai1ec-184073@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZNOVAC Public Meeting<p>See featured article on front page for more detail and link to join.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>America/New_York2023-06-11T19:30:00America/New_York2023-06-11T21:00:00MONTHLY72SUen-USMonthly Meeting,Public Night,Site AvailablePaul Severance; president@novac.com0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/novac-public-meeting-4/freeai1ec-183616@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZStar Gaze<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png" width="300" height="223" /></div><p><strong>RSVP <a href="https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-astronomy-club-novac/events/289858088?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link">here</a>.</strong></p> <p>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</p> <p>Activities during Star Gaze will include a telescope meet and greet, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should also not be brought onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring them along, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>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. Please dim your vehicles headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. However the event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to overcast or precipitation.</p> <p>For more information, see our<strong> <a href="https://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/">Star Gaze</a> </strong>page.</p>America/New_York2023-10-07T17:00:00America/New_York2023-10-07T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventStargaze Coordinator; stargaze@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/+38.622843-77.720484C.M. Crockett Park @ 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA 22728, USA0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/star-gaze-9/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png;300;223;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob.png;850;632;en-USCrockett,Star Gazeai1ec-185599@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZNOVAC Public Meeting<p>See featured article on front page for more detail and link to join.</p>America/New_York2024-01-14T19:30:00America/New_York2024-01-14T21:00:00MONTHLY122SUen-USMonthly Meeting,Public Night,Site AvailablePaul Severance; president@novac.com0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/novac-public-meeting-6/freeai1ec-185520@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZCancelled: Astronomy Day<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png" width="300" height="213" /></div><h4>This event has been cancelled due to heavy cloud forecast for June 1st.</h4> <h4>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</h4> <p>Activities during Astronomy Day will include a telescope meet and greet, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should also not be brought onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring them along, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>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. Please dim your vehicles headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. However the event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.</p> <p> </p> <h3>Head over to the <a title="Astronomy Day" href="http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/">Astronomy Day page</a> for more information.</h3>America/New_York2024-06-01T18:00:00America/New_York2024-06-01T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventAstronomy Day Coordinator; astronomy-day@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/185890https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/astronomy-day-10/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png;300;213;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids.png;938;668;en-USAstronomy Day,Crockettai1ec-185597@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZAstronomy Festival on the National Mall<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20190622_201048-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></div><p class="description-markdown--p">Members of the public are invited attend the largest annual astronomy outreach event in the U.S.</p> <p class="description-markdown--p">NOVAC will join 30 other astronomy/science organizations on the National Mall between 3rd and 4th Street to share astronomy concepts during the day and share views of the D.C. sky at night.</p> <p class="description-markdown--p">The festival is hosted by Hofstra University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and their Astronomy Outreach Program.</p> <p class="description-markdown--p"><strong>The event will be on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets NW, in front of the Hirshhorn Museum.</strong></p> <p class="description-markdown--p">Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled or moved indoors because of precipitation.</p>America/New_York2024-06-22T18:00:00America/New_York2024-06-22T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventAlvin Manalo- NOVAC Outreach Coordinator; outreach@novac.comNational Mall, Washington, DC @ 7th to 9th Streets, SW, In front of the Hirshhorn Museum0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/astronomy-festival-on-the-national-mall-3/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20190622_201048-150x150.jpg;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20190622_201048-300x225.jpg;300;225;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20190622_201048-1024x768.jpg;1024;768;1,full;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20190622_201048-scaled.jpg;2560;1920;en-USNon-NOVAC Eventai1ec-185525@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZStar Gaze<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png" width="300" height="223" /></div><p>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</p> <p>Activities during Star Gaze will include meeting with astronomers who will share their knowledge and show you their astro equipment, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets are not permitted onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your observing gear, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>For preserving everyone’s dark sky eye adaptation, cover your flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening. Please dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. The event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is rain or shine.  In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 4 pm.</p> <p>For more information, see our<strong> <a href="https://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/">Star Gaze</a> </strong>page.</p>America/New_York2024-10-26T16:00:00America/New_York2024-10-26T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventStargaze Coordinator; stargaze@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/+38.622843-77.720484C.M. Crockett Park @ 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA 22728, USA186238https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/star-gaze-10/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png;300;223;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob.png;850;632;en-USCrockett,Star Gazeai1ec-186693@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZStar Gaze<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png" width="300" height="223" /></div><p>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</p> <p>Activities during Star Gaze will include meeting with astronomers who will share their knowledge and show you their astro equipment, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets are not permitted onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your observing gear, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>For preserving everyone’s dark sky eye adaptation, cover your flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening. Please dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. The event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is rain or shine.  In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 4 pm.</p> <p> </p>America/New_York2024-10-26T16:00:00America/New_York2024-10-26T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventStargaze Coordinator; stargaze@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/+38.622843-77.720484C.M. Crockett Park @ 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA 22728, USA0https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/star-gaze-11/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png;300;223;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob.png;850;632;en-USCrockett,Star Gazeai1ec-186692@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZAstronomy Day – Cancelled due to forecasted 42 mph wind gusts<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png" width="300" height="213" /></div><p class="p1"><b>Join NOVAC for Astronomy Day!</b><b></b></p> <p class="p3">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:</p> <p class="p4">• Solar observing</p> <p class="p4">• Guided sky tour</p> <p class="p4">• Night sky observing</p> <p class="p4">• Astronomy Presentations</p> <p class="p3">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.</p> <p class="p1"><b>Please Note:</b><b></b></p> <p class="p4">• Always ask before using someone else’s equipment.</p> <p class="p4">• Keep a close eye on children around telescopes.</p> <p class="p4">• Avoid bug spray and smoking near the observing area.</p> <p class="p4">• Pets are not allowed on the observing field.</p> <p class="p3">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.</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Location:</b></span> Crockett Park</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Parking Fee:</b></span> $10 per vehicle (non-Fauquier County residents)</p> <p class="p1"><b>Event Admission:</b><span class="s2"> Free!</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>NOVAC Members:</b></span> Free parking with valid membership card (printable from the members-only section)</p> <p class="p3">Interested in joining NOVAC? Sign up online and get your membership card in minutes!</p> <p class="p3">We look forward to seeing you there!</p> <p> </p> <h3> </h3>America/New_York2025-05-03T18:00:00America/New_York2025-05-03T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventAstronomy Day Coordinator; astronomy-day@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/10066 Rogues Road, Midland VA 22728-2145186972https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/astronomy-day-11/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png;300;213;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids.png;938;668;en-USAstronomy Day,Crockettai1ec-187177@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZStar Gaze<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png" width="300" height="223" /></div><p>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</p> <p>Activities during Star Gaze will include meeting with astronomers who will share their knowledge and show you their astro equipment, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets are not permitted onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your observing gear, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>For preserving everyone’s dark sky eye adaptation, cover your flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening. Please dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. The event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is rain or shine.  In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 6 pm.</p> <p> </p>America/New_York2025-10-18T18:00:00America/New_York2025-10-18T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventStargaze Coordinator; stargaze@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/C.M. Crockett Park @ 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA 22728, USA187729https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/star-gaze-12/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png;300;223;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob.png;850;632;en-USCrockett,Star Gazeai1ec-188260@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZFebruary General Meeting – Dr. Matthew Knight presents: The surprising value of comet morphology<p><em>All NOVAC members, guests, and the public are welcome to attend—no RSVP required.  You can attend the meeting virtually via Google Meet. Sign on </em> at 4 pm to connect with fellow astronomers. The meeting starts at 4:30 with club information and general announcements. Program speaker starts at 5:00 pm.</p> <p>Drawings of comets’ appearances date back at least two thousand years, making the study of comet ‘morphology’ among the oldest endeavors in all of astronomy. While many newer techniques have been invented to study comets, assessment of their morphology continues to hold scientific value today. Dr. Knight will discuss how he uses specialized ‘narrowband’ comet filters on modestly sized telescopes to infer properties of the nuclei of active comets. Such work has occasionally yielded novel insights which are difficult or impossible to constrain using other techniques. He will also discuss how similar work can be conducted using off-the-shelf filters on non-professional telescopes, even from sea level in the Washington D.C. area.</p>America/New_York2026-02-08T16:00:00America/New_York2026-02-08T18:00:00en-USMonthly MeetingGoogle Meet @ https://meet.google.com/cbf-jusw-dsm188261https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/february-general-meeting-dr-matthew-knight-presents-the-surprising-value-of-comet-morphology/freeai1ec-188081@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZAstronomy Day<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png" width="300" height="213" /></div><p class="p1"><b>Join NOVAC for Astronomy Day!</b><b></b></p> <p class="p3">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:</p> <p class="p4">• Solar observing</p> <p class="p4">• Guided sky tour</p> <p class="p4">• Night sky observing</p> <p class="p4">• Astronomy Presentations</p> <p class="p3">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.</p> <p class="p1"><b>Please Note:</b><b></b></p> <p class="p4">• Always ask before using someone else’s equipment.</p> <p class="p4">• Keep a close eye on children around telescopes.</p> <p class="p4">• Avoid bug spray and smoking near the observing area.</p> <p class="p4">• Pets are not allowed on the observing field.</p> <p class="p3">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.</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Location:</b></span> Crockett Park</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Parking Fee:</b></span> $10 per vehicle (non-Fauquier County residents)</p> <p class="p1"><b>Event Admission:</b><span class="s2"> Free!</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>NOVAC Members:</b></span> Free parking with valid membership card (printable from the members-only section)</p> <p class="p3">Interested in joining NOVAC? Sign up online and get your membership card in minutes!</p> <p class="p3">We look forward to seeing you there!</p> <p> </p> <h3></h3>America/New_York2026-05-02T18:00:00America/New_York2026-05-02T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventAstronomy Day Coordinator; astronomy-day@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/astronomyday/10066 Rogues Road, Midland VA 22728-2145188082https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/astronomy-day-12/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids-300x213.png;300;213;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gregandkids.png;938;668;en-USAstronomy Day,Crockettai1ec-188078@www.novac.com/wp2026-03-16T05:16:39ZStar Gaze<div class="ai1ec-event-avatar alignleft timely"><img src="https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png" width="300" height="223" /></div><p>Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.</p> <p>Activities during Star Gaze will include meeting with astronomers who will share their knowledge and show you their astro equipment, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.</p> <p>Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets are not permitted onto the observing field.</p> <p>No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your observing gear, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.</p> <p>For preserving everyone’s dark sky eye adaptation, cover your flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening. Please dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving and departing.</p> <p>Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. The event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.</p> <p>Note: This event is rain or shine.  In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 6 pm.</p> <p> </p>America/New_York2026-10-03T18:00:00America/New_York2026-10-03T23:00:00en-USAnnual Event,Public Night,Special EventStargaze Coordinator; stargaze@novac.com; http://www.novac.com/wp/outreach/stargaze/C.M. Crockett Park @ 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA 22728, USA188080https://www.novac.com/wp/blog/event/star-gaze-13/freethumbnail;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-150x150.png;150;150;1,medium;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob-300x223.png;300;223;1,large;https://www.novac.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pointkids_dob.png;850;632;en-USCrockett,Star Gaze