Outreach to the public is an integral part of NOVAC’s mission, as reflected in our motto “To Observe…And to Help Others Observe “. Over the years NOVAC club members have provided and facilitated numerous outreach efforts – all on a 100% volunteer basis. These range from our monthly public observing sessions, special events such as Astronomy Day and StarGaze, and private outreach events.
Some examples of private outreach events that have been staffed by volunteer NOVAC club members include:
- Observing and educational sessions at elementary and middle schools
- Assisting scout troops with the requirements for the Astronomy Belt Loop, Pin, and Badge
- Observing and educational sessions at local campgrounds
- Judging science fair competitions
- Serving as a guest lecturer for high school science and astronomy classes
And many more!
Please fill out our outreach form to get started in planning your event.
NOVAC Monthly Meetings
Don’t forget that our meetings, generally held at George Mason University on the second Sunday evening of each month (except when that Sunday is Mother’s Day), are open to the public.
NOVAC Public Events Calendar
RSVP here.
Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky including Mars, star clusters, the Milky Way, and many other deep sky objects.
Activities during Astronomy Day will include a telescope meet and greet, 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 should also not be brought onto the observing field.
No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring them along, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.
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. Please dim your vehicles headlights when arriving and departing.
Crockett Park charges $7 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. However 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: Masks are required throughout the event. This event is also weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.
Head over to the Astronomy Day page for more information.
Join NOVAC and the Rappahannock County Park for a public observing session.
NOVAC supports this event by providing remote telescope viewing capabilities to visitors in order to ensure safe social distancing.
- Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
- Participation will be limited to 100 people (including staff and volunteers).
- Social distancing is required and face masks are strongly encouraged.
Please visit the official website for more details.
NOVAC supports this event by providing remote telescope viewing capabilities to visitors in order to ensure safe social distancing.
- Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
- Participation will be limited to 100 people (including staff and volunteers).
- Social distancing is required and face masks are strongly encouraged.
Please visit the official website for more details.
Join NOVAC and the Rappahannock County Park for a public observing session.
Join NOVAC and the Rappahannock County Park for a public observing session.
NOVAC supports this event by providing remote telescope viewing capabilities to visitors in order to ensure safe social distancing.
- Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Ln.), behind the Mount Bleak House within the white fence.
- Participation will be limited to 100 people (including staff and volunteers).
- Social distancing is required and face masks are strongly encouraged.
Please visit the official website for more details.
Other Events can be found on Astronomy in DC!
The following opportunities are sponsored by other organizations and schools in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
The Analemma Society
Sponsors public observing every Friday at Observatory Park, near the village of Great Falls, Virginia.
The Astronomy Dept. of the University of Maryland
Holds a public lecture followed by informal observing at the observatory in College Park, Maryland the 5th and 20th of each month.
The Montgomery College Planetarium
Has one or two programs each month, and special programs can be arranged.