C.M. Crockett Public Night
2026-09-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-11-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | C. M. Crockett Park, 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, 22728, 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.

Sky Meadows Astronomy for Everyone
2026-09-12 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-10-10 18:30 - 21:30, 2026-11-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA, 20144, United States
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.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center Star Party
2026-09-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-21 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-12-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA, 20151, United States
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.

Earth and Sky Adventures at Sweet Run State Park
2026-10-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-14 16:30 - 19:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, VA, 20132, United States
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

Star Gaze
2026-10-03 18:00 - 23:00 | C. M. Crockett Park, 10066 Rogues Road, Midland, VA, 22728, United States
Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Note: This event is rain or shine. In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 6 pm.
