10066 Rogues Road (Rt. 602) Midland, VA, 22728
Phone: 540-788-4867
Observing Field coordinates: 38.38′.2″N -77.43′.15″W
Latitude: +38.634004 Longitude -77.721107 Elevation: 330 ft
Coordinator: Scott Maile scottamaile@gmail.com
NOVAC welcomes everyone to come out to our public events and enjoy the night sky. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. All you need is an interest in the wonders of the cosmos.
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. Volunteers (and guests, if they wish) bring a variety of telescopes and binoculars.
NOVAC Member only events are posted on the NOVAC Members Calendar (membership required).
Preparing for Your Visit – Preparation begins before you leave home. Dress warmly – summer nights can still turn cold. Check the weather forecast before heading out, and bring water to stay hydrated. Plan on staying the entire evening, or as long as conditions allow. For lighting, cover a flashlight with red cellophane. The darker the red, the better. White light ruins night vision for everyone on the field, so red light is essential. When arriving and departing, please dim your headlights out of consideration for observers who have spent time adjusting to the dark.
On the Observing Field = Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views through the telescopes on display. Please ask the owner before touching or using any equipment, as even well-intentioned handling can disturb a carefully aligned scope. Please supervise children closely around astronomical equipment, which is often expensive and delicate. Also keep in mind that telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and insect repellent, as both can leave residue that degrades optical surfaces. Please apply bug spray away from the equipment area. If you bring a laser pointer for pointing out stars or constellations, please use it considerately. Never aim a laser pointer at another observer, toward the parking area, or at any aircraft. High-powered lasers can be dangerous and their use is regulated. A modest, low-powered green laser is all that is needed for stargazing. Pets are not permitted on the observing field.
The Sky at Crockett – C.M. Crockett Park offers reasonably dark skies with a limiting magnitude of around 5 on most nights. Horizons are excellent in all directions. Omega Centauri has been observed from this site on several occasions, a testament to the quality of the southern horizon. Light pollution is relatively modest to the south and west. To the north, Manassas is the primary source of sky glow, and an airport beacon to the east can occasionally be a nuisance.
In addition to its virtues as an observing site, Crockett is a nice place to visit during the day. The lake offers fishing and boating (rentals available), and there are several playgrounds for children, as well as picnic pavilions and volleyball courts.
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