Observing Sites
NOVAC maintains formal agreements which grant the club access to certain public and privately owned observing sites in Northern Virginia. Members can use these sites (for astronomical purposes) with the full cooperation of the landowners and authorities.
The club holds free monthly observing nights open to the public at primarily two locations within an hour’s drive of the metro D.C. area. On occasion additional sites are used for public observing and outreach. Check the front page on NOVAC.com for calendar date, time, and location for all our public observing sessions.
Each month public observing is held at C.M.Crockett Park in Midland, VA, and at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA.
C.M. Crockett Park in Fauquier County, Virginia offers an excellent place to stargaze for the beginner or the advanced. Depending on the time of year, expect to see constellations, planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, and possibly a few meteors and satellites. In addition to the monthly public nights, two larger astronomy events are held – Astronomy Day in the spring, and Star Gaze in the fall. Volunteers (and guests, if they wish) bring a variety of telescopes and binoculars. Crockett Park is home to the county’s largest lakeside park and offers a wide range of other recreational activities as well.
At Sky Meadows State Park you can enjoy visiting an International Dark-Sky Park – one of five in the state of Virginia! Evenings there begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a more in depth astronomy presentation, including emphasis on the importance of dark sky preservation, as well as updates on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with NOVAC members sharing views of the night skies through their telescopes. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration.
NOVAC also maintains a relationship with the Experience Learning at Spruce Knob Mountain Center (previously The Mountain Institute) in West Virginia. The club hosts two major star parties each year at Spruce Knob. Look for announcements on the Night Owl Star Party and the Almost Heaven Star Party. The Spruce Knob Mountain Center (SKMC) provides an outstanding observing location as well as civilized amenities like hot showers, meal service, and Internet access. They also host many other groups seeking recreational activities and respite.
NOVAC Public Events Calendar
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.
Join NOVAC for Astronomy Day!
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:
• Solar observing
• Guided sky tour
• Night sky observing
• Astronomy Presentations
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.
Please Note:
• Always ask before using someone else’s equipment.
• Keep a close eye on children around telescopes.
• Avoid bug spray and smoking near the observing area.
• Pets are not allowed on the observing field.
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.
Location: Crockett Park
Parking Fee: $10 per vehicle (non-Fauquier County residents)
Event Admission: Free!
NOVAC Members: Free parking with valid membership card (printable from the members-only section)
Interested in joining NOVAC? Sign up online and get your membership card in minutes!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.