Aug
22
Fri
AHSP 2025
Aug 22 – Aug 26 all-day

Dates for AHSP Event see http://www.ahsp.org for event registration and details.

Aug
23
Sat
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Aug 23 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park

NOVAC supports this event by providing telescope views to visitors.

  • Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
  • The event’s programs will take place rain or shine.
  • Important note: The incoming park gate is locked one hour after event start time. Please plan to arrive before then.

Please visit the official website for more details.

Aug
30
Sat
C.M. Crockett Public Night @ C.M. Crockett Park
Aug 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
C.M. Crockett Public Night @ C.M. Crockett Park | Midland | Virginia | United States

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.

 

Sep
6
Sat
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party
Sep 6 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party

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.

 

Sep
20
Sat
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Sep 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park

NOVAC supports this event by providing telescope views to visitors.

  • Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
  • The event’s programs will take place rain or shine.
  • Important note: The incoming park gate is locked one hour after event start time. Please plan to arrive before then.

Please visit the official website for more details.

Sep
27
Sat
Earth and Sky Adventures @ Sweet Run State Park
Sep 27 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
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, and contact Jim Crowley at uuplink@aol.com for any questions.

Sweet Run State Park

C.M. Crockett Public Night @ C.M. Crockett Park
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
C.M. Crockett Public Night @ C.M. Crockett Park | Midland | Virginia | United States

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.

 

Oct
4
Sat
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party

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.

 

Oct
18
Sat
Earth and Sky Adventures @ Sweet Run State Park
Oct 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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, and contact Jim Crowley at uuplink@aol.com for any questions.

Sweet Run State Park

Oct
25
Sat
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Oct 25 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sky Meadows State Park- Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park

NOVAC supports this event by providing telescope views to visitors.

  • Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
  • The event’s programs will take place rain or shine.
  • Important note: The incoming park gate is locked one hour after event start time. Please plan to arrive before then.

Please visit the official website for more details.