Dec
13
Thu
2018
Geminids “King” Meteor Shower
Dec 13 all-day

Planning on staying up late (or waking up early) for this one. The Geminids is the “king” of the meteor showers. It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982. The shower runs annually from December 7-17. It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent early morning show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky

Dec
21
Fri
2018
Ursids Meteor Shower
Dec 21 all-day

The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, which was first discovered in 1790. The shower runs annually from December 17-25. It peaks this year on the the night of the 21st and morning of the 22nd. This year the glare from the full moon will hide all but the brightest meteors. If you are extremely patient, you might still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Winter Solstice
Dec 21 @ 3:23 pm – 4:23 pm

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, respectively, in the sense that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a minimum for the year. Of course, daylight saving time means that the first Sunday in April has 23 hours and the last Sunday in October has 25 hours, but these human meddlings with the calendar and do not correspond to the actual number of daylight hours.

If you life in the southern hemisphere, this is your Summer Solstice, celebrating the longest day of the year.

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/astronomy/WinterSolstice.html

Apr
9
Sat
2022
George Mason University- Arlington Campus Night Sky Viewing @ George Mason University, Arlington Campus
Apr 9 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
George Mason University- Arlington Campus Night Sky Viewing @ George Mason University, Arlington Campus

RSVP here.

Members of the public are invited to view the urban night sky over George Mason University’s Arlington Campus through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers.

Observing will take place on the outdoor plaza in front of Van Metre Hall (Schar School of Policy and Government). Visitor Parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage (hourly rate). There is also metered street parking around the campus.

As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment.

Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast.

Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

May
14
Sat
2022
CANCELED- George Mason University- Arlington Campus Night Sky Viewing @ George Mason University, Arlington Campus
May 14 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
CANCELED- George Mason University- Arlington Campus Night Sky Viewing @ George Mason University, Arlington Campus

THIS EVENT IS CANCELED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR LATER THIS SUMMER.

RSVP here.

Members of the public are invited to view the urban night sky over George Mason University’s Arlington Campus through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers.

Observing will take place on the outdoor plaza in front of Van Metre Hall (Schar School of Policy and Government). Visitor Parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage (hourly rate). There is also metered street parking around the campus.

As a reminder please ask permission from the telescope owner before using. Please monitor your children if they’re around expensive astronomical equipment.

Don’t forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast.

Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.