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
Due to the rain forecast on October 9, 2021, Star Gaze was delayed to October 30, 2021.
RSVP here.
For more information on the event, visit the Star Gaze page.
RSVP here.
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.
Featured objects will include Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and deep sky objects like star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Arrive up to an hour before the event if you want to inspect different telescopes and other visual equipment on the field as they’re being set up. 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!
Feel free to walk around and enjoy the different telescopes on display but please ask the 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.
RSVP here.
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.
- For individuals who are fully vaccinated face coverings and social distancing are no longer required but recommended. Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated will be asked to continue face covering and social distancing procedures.
- The event’s programs will take place rain or shine.
Please visit the official website for more details.
- Event Website
- Date(s): Saturday, November 13; 5pm to 8pm
- Location: Chantilly, VA- NASM Udvar-Hazy Center (14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy.)
- Pandemic Precautions:
- For individuals who are fully vaccinated, face coverings and social distancing are optional outdoors. Individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated should continue face covering and social distancing procedures.
- More information here.
RSVP here.
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. Masks are required and up to 10 visitors at a time are allowed around a single telescope.
From 5pm until sunset you can inspect 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!
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. Feel free to walk around and the different telescopes on display but please ask the owner before using. Please monitor your children around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Finally, pets should not be brought onto the observing field unless they are service animals.
Note: This event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.
See front page of NOVAC Site for changes to event. More information about Great Meadow including directions and parking visit the Great Meadow Site page.
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.
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