Fall-Winter Courses and Events at Observatory Park - 2024-2025

Check the main page of this Analemma website https://www.analemma.org/ or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) for event updates.

Class Registration at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/.
Locate our astronomy programs under Turner Farm Park (place selection) at the FCPA Parktakes website. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Our events and programs are under “Science and Technology” or “Events” category. Age range for our Parktakes programs is 8 to Adult unless otherwise stated. You must register for these classes in advance.

Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. The nighttime programs will include night sky tours and looking through telescopes.  For popular events, please use the overflow parking if the parking lot is full.

Events:

Friday December 13th isn't a day of bad luck, it's the best day to see the Geminid Meteor Shower during the Friday Night Free Public Observing at Observatory Park, Turner Farm.  Observing will extend to 11pm at the park.  Bring a chair or blanket or ground covering to watch the sky for meteors.  Best seen with the unaided eye...no binoculars or telescopes required.  Note:  the moon will be close to full, so its light will wash out the fainter meteors.  Come into the observatory and get a close up view of the moon through one of the Roll-Top observatory's telescopes. Remember to dress for cold weather.

Calendar

The Parktakes programs are held rain or clear skies at the Roll-Top Observatory, Turner Farm unless otherwise stated.

Free Public Night Observing on Friday Nights and special public events do not require registration, but may be cancelled due to cloudy skies.

The Winter 2025 Parktakes programs begin on December 16. Registration for the Winter programs opens on Tuesday December 3.

Roll-Top Program Descriptions

Introduction to Astronomy

Instructors Analemma Society Staff   

This program provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe we see in the sky around us. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of the planets and stars, and interesting phenomena we can observe in the sky. The program covers different subjects in astronomy from class to class. Classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Introduction To Telescopes

Instructors: Alan Figgatt and the Analemma Society Staff

Now that you have received a new telescope, how do you set it up and use it? Or are you considering buying a telescope? This class goes into introductory basics of Astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Telescope Observing for Beginners

Instructors: Analemma Society Staff

This class covers for beginner and less experienced telescope users the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources you might use. Will provide hands-on observing with telescopes if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and for assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken independently. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

Instructor: Analemma Society Staff 

This program is a fun tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky that can be seen with the eye and in telescopes. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe around our planet. The classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. If inclement weather, then we may offer a virtual sky tour. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Astronomy Festival

Instructors: Analemma Society & Riverbend Staff, FCPA

Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through telescopes, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations round the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase. The Festival is held at Observatory Park at Turner Farm and the Roll-Top Observatory. Event is canceled if raining or snowing.  Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Stargazing with Binoculars

Instructor: Dan Ward

Thursday,   November 7,  7:30 PM

Binoculars offer a fine introduction to the sights that lie in our night sky. Learn about different types of binoculars and how to use them to find planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and to visually stroll through the beautiful star fields of the Milky Way. Attendees are welcome to bring binoculars. Program includes an observing session to help you find objects visible in the night sky, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Finding Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps

Instructor: Cal Powell

Monday,  November 25,  7:30 PM

This presentation will cover an introduction to sky coordinates, how astronomical objects are represented on maps of the sky, and how to read star maps to find your way among the stars in the sky.  The talk will be illustrated by a variety of star atlases. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Exploring the Moon

Instructor: Bill Burton

Monday,   Dec 9,    7:30 PM

The Moon is as old as the Earth, and its surface is marked by craters and lava flows billions of years old. Explore these lunar features through high-powered telescopes and learn about their origins. See where the Apollo lunar landings occurred and discuss what the astronauts found. The program is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Meteorites: Exploring Visitors from Space

Instructor: Cal Powell

Monday,  Jan 6,  7:30 PM

What are meteorites? Where do they come from? What do they tell us? This course is an introduction to these visitors from outer space. Participants will be able to examine actual meteorites including specimens from the Moon and Mars. The program will be held in the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park with an observing session (weather dependent). Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Planet Adventure Night

Instructor: Analemma Society Staff

This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ 

Exploring the Inner Planets

Instructor: Bill Burton

Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My! 

Instructor: Cal Powell

Monday,   Feb 24,  7:30 PM

We are familiar with the stars and planets that we can see when the Sun sets. However, the night sky contains many wonders that are visible with binoculars or modest telescopes. This fun and interactive presentation is designed as an introduction to the most common of these astronomical “deep sky” objects. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/ 

Scout Astronomy Merit Badge

Instructor: Bridget McArdle

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Astronomy Merit Badge. Information on homework and details on what to bring is provided at the on-line registration form.  The program will be held in the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Junior Girl Scout Space Science Badge

Instructor: Riverbend Staff

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Junior Girl Scout Space Science Badge. Information on homework and details on what to bring is provided at the on-line registration form.  The program will be held in the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Fall-Winter - Public Observing on Friday Nights

Observatory Park at Turner Farm

The Analemma Society holds Friday Night Public Viewing Sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA.

Hours will remain until next Spring.

We maintain 4 telescopes in the Roll-Top Observatory for public viewing.  In addition, we continue to invite the public to bring their own telescopes and set up outside the Roll-Top or as the weather warms, bring their own binoculars for observing on the grass. There is a lot to see in the night sky.

These public observing sessions at Observatory Park are open to all. Check the Event Notice box on this website or  @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions.  The Observing Page also has sky weather updates.   Wear appropriate clothing - nights can be very chilly. The Roll-Top observatory has an enclosed classroom, but the observatory room is not heated and is open to the sky.

 Parking 

If the parking lot is full, please use the overflow parking area.

Breaking the Attendance Record

The combination of Scout Groups and Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS watchers brought more than 300 visitors and students to Observatory Park at Turner Farm in October to the Friday Night Public Observing. 

We've had a great response from all ages to view the universe through the Roll-Top Observatory telescopes.  During the Perseid Meteor Shower last August we had more than 2000 visitors at Observatory Park, Turner Farm.  Come join us. 

And, don't forget to sign up with Fairfax County Parktakes for courses at Observatory Park at our Roll-Top Observatory and Educational Classroom at Turner Farm

Here's what's up in the sky for November 2024

Viewing

There are 4 telescopes set up for viewing in the Roll-Top observatory including a 7" high quality refractor.  For public sessions, we may also have telescopes set up outside the building along the walkway to look through. Members of the public are welcome to bring their own telescopes and set them up as well. If you bring your own telescope equipment and have not been at one of our public sessions before, we recommend you contact one of the volunteers first upon arrival so we can guide you on where to set up.

When you pull into the access road leading into the park, follow the road to the parking lot that will be to the left. Please put your headlights on low when entering the parking lot.  All visitors must park in the parking lot. Enter through the pedestrian gate in the Northwest corner of the parking lot and follow the walkway up to the Roll-Top building (the squat building with the moveable roof). For public sessions, the Analemma Society will have a coordinator present to greet people and provide directions. But if the coordinator is busy or providing assistance inside the building, enter through the gray door on the walkway side of the Roll-Top building.

These events are very weather dependent.  Check the Event Notice box on this website or the @AnalemmaSociety (formerly twitter) account under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions.

Note:  We have had several requests asking about bringing their dog to the park.   Dogs are not allowed into the Roll-Top or RATO observatories and classroom unless they are service dogs.  Having your well behaved dog outside on a leash is allowed by the FCPA.  Picking up after your dog is a must.

Note: Fairfax County Park policy: no alcohol or marijuana in the park.  Thank you.

Attachments:

2024_11_ObjectList.pdf

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Observatory Park has a New Telescope

Observatory Park at Turner Farm has a new telescope officially described as a "GSO 16 f/8 Ritchey-Chretien" telescope, purchased from Highpoint Scientific. The telescope is an open-tube truss (called a Serrurier truss) made of light-weight carbon fiber that holds the 16-inch quartz primary mirror. The RC assembly by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) offers both visual observing and astronomical imaging.

The Ritchey-Chretien optical design means that both the primary mirror and secondary mirror are hyperbolic, a unique design that prevents both coma and chromatic aberation. The f/8 is the aperture ratio of primary mirror diameter to focal length, requiring the 16 inch mirror to have a tube that is about 45 inches long

Even though the mechanical design uses an open-tube truss, the primary mirror is mounted in a cell that is heavily baffled to prevent stray light and has cooling fans to provide temperature stability. The secondary mirror at the top of the open-tube truss is also baffled to prevent stray light.

Analemma Society selected this fine telescope to provide not only visual observing, but remote telescopic operation using CCD/CMOS cameras for astronomical imaging of the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

Photo Credit: Bill Burton