Analemma Society Programs
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.
Date | Time | Title | Age |
---|---|---|---|
Fri Nov 1 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Nov 4 2024 | 7:30PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Thr Nov 7 2024 | 7:30PM | Stargazing with Binoculars | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 8 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sun Nov 10 2024 | 4:30PM | Scout Astronomy Merit Badge | Scouts |
Mon Nov 11 2024 | 7:00PM | Planet Adventure Night (Veterans Day Holiday) |
6-Adult |
Fri Nov 15 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Nov 16 2024 | 5:00-7:30PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Wed Nov 20 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory (MLK Holiday) |
8-Adult |
Fri Nov 22 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Nov 25 2024 | 7:30PM | Find Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 29 2024 | --- | Thanksgiving Holiday - No Public Night Observing | --- |
Wed Dec 4 2024 | 7:30PM | Planet Adventure Night | 8-Adult |
Fri Dec 6 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Dec 9 2024 | 7:30PM | Exploring the Moon | 8-Adult |
Fri Dec 13 2024 | 7:30PM - 11 PM | Free Public Night Observing - Geminid Meteor Shower | All Ages |
Sat Dec 14 2024 | 5:00-7:30PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Mon Dec 16 2024 | -- | Start of Winter Parktakes Season | |
Tue Dec 17 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Thr Dec 19 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Astronomy (Our Solar System) | 8-Adult |
--- | --- | Christmas Break Fri Dec 20,2024 to Thr Jan 2, 2025 | --- |
Fri Jan 3 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Jan 4 2025 | 4:30PM | Scout Astronomy Merit Badge (Briget McArdle, Analemma) | Scouts |
Mon Jan 6 2025 | 7:30PM | Meteorites: Exploring Visitors from Space | 8-Adult |
Wed Jan 8 2025 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Telescopes (Alan Figgatt) | 8-Adult |
Fri Jan 10 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sun Jan 12 2025 | 5:00PM | Junior Girl Scout Space Science Badge (Riverbend Staff) | Scouts |
Tue Jan 14 2025 | 7:30PM | Exploring the Inner Planets (Bill Burton) | 8-Adult |
Fri Jan 17 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Jan 18 2025 | 5:00PM-7:30PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Mon Jan 20 2025 | 5:30PM | Planet Adventure Night | 8-Adult |
Fri Jan 24 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Jan 27 2025 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri Jan 31 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Feb 3 2025 | 7:30PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Fri Feb 7 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Feb 8 2025 | 4:30PM | Scout Astronomy Merit Badge (Briget McArdle, Analemma) | Scouts |
Mon Feb 10 2025 | 7:30PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Fri Feb 14 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Feb 15 2024 | 5:30-8:00PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Wed Feb 19 2025 | 7:30PM | New Astronomy: NextGen Electronic Telescopes (Dan Ward, Mary Blessing) | 8-Adult |
Fri Feb 21 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Feb 22 2025 | 6:00PM | Junior Girl Scout Space Science Badge (Riverbend Staff) | Scouts |
Mon Feb 24 2025 | 7:30PM | Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My! (Cal Powell) | 8-Adult |
Wed Feb 26 2025 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Astronomy (Cosmic Distance Ladder) | 8-Adult |
Fri Feb 28 2025 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
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
The inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, plus Earth’s companion the Moon, all have mostly rocky compositions compared to the outer gas giant planets. Of the inner planets, only Earth is known to have the conditions to support life. Examining handheld globes of the planets, we will explore their similarities and differences and find out why life is unique to Earth. The program includes observing of planets and the night sky in telescopes, weather permitting. The course 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/
New Astronomy: NextGen Electronic Telescopes
Instructor: Dan Ward, Mary Blessing
Wednesday, Feb 19, 7:30 PM
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) combines traditional optical telescopes with modern electronic sensors and imaging technology. This allows amateurs to visualize the night sky in ways rivaling professional observatories from a few decades ago. The instructors will cover examples of this emerging and relatively inexpensive field. The course 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/
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
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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.
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
Analemma Society covered by NBC on-line News
Emily Hung and crew from NBC created a 5-minute piece on light pollution, one of a series of 5-minute videos called Washington Wonders. At the beginning, Analemma Society President Jeff Kretsch is interviewed about seeing the night and providing astronomical outreach to the public (historic images of Observatory Park supplied by Christina Tyler Wenks. Tom Reinert, President of Dark Sky International discussed the impact of light pollution on wildlife and the importance of educating the public. Jill Johnson of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Anne Lewis, Co-Founder of City Wildlife, focused on the brightening night sky's impact on migratory birds. Emily Hung commented in an email to Analemma Society,"Thank you for your patience and taking the time to share your expertise of the subject! My colleagues are currently working to get the story on NBC’s digital page..." Meanwhile, she shared an advanced copy of the NBC video intended for their on-line magazine with Analemma Society, presented below and temporaroily available at f.io/WhWV9Uwu
Circumzenithal Arc to End the Year
Dr. Jeff Kretsch frequents Observatory Park at Turner Farm and on the last day of 2023 took this photo of the sun's circumzenithal arc (sometimes called Bravais' arc) about 48 degrees from the sun, showing a rainbow of color. The arc (actually part of a circular halo) is created by plate-shaped ice crystals in the Cirrus clouds. The center of the arc appears to be at zenith (hence its name). For the sun angles to refract from the ice crystals to an observer on the earth, the elevation of the sun must be less than 32 degrees above the horizon. Note that blue is "on top" and red is "on the bottom". A normal rainbow created by water droplets has red on top.
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day - 19 Dec 2023
One of our Analemma Society volunteers, Steven Powell, is a dedicated astronomical observer. In a recent email, he said, "I'm happy to say that my 32 hour exposure image of the California nebula [NGC 1499] will be displayed as the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day on December 19th." You can find the full-size image on the NASA website: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231219.html At right is a small thumbnail view.
His photograph and hundreds of other spectacular views of the cosmos can be found in the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day archive at: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
Analemma Society honored with FCPA Harold Strickland Partnership Award
The Fairfax County Park Authority awarded Analemma Society the 2023 Harold Strickland Award for Collaboration and Partnership for creating programming for Observatory Park visitors that minimizes or eliminates park bond funding. This award, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp3VeBj4P-8, is decades in the making with a growing number of patrons and programs.
In the past 5 years, Analemma Society has worked with more than 18,000 visitors at Observatory Park. Analemma Society volunteers donate more than 1,800 volunteer hours per year, fundraise for telescope purchases and maintain scientific equipment, as well as provide education and programs and festivals that teach science, technology, engineering and math through astronomy at Observatory Park in Great Falls, Virginia.
This year's ceremony featured a tribute to the vision and years of dedication of Analemma Society late founder Charles Olin https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. Fairfax County Park Authority Dranesville district representatives Timothy Hackman presented the Harold Strickland Award to Christina Tyler Wenks, who accepted the award for Analemma Society and was also named an outstanding volunteer. The award was given to Charles's wife, Jacqueline Olin, as the couple founded Analemma Society and Observatory Park together.
More information about the Elly Doyle Awards and recipients may be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. These videos were produced by Fairfax County Channel 16 and are shared with permission in celebration of the work of the many Analemma Society volunteers.
Passing of Analemma Founder Charles Olin
We are sad to report that after a period of ill health, Charles Olin, founding president of the Analemma Society passed away Tuesday night, March 28th, 2023. Without his vision there would be no Observatory Park. Charles and Jacque Olin were a powerful team that time and again accomplished things that seemed impossible. From a field of grass on the old Defense Mapping Agency and Nike site at Turner Farm, the concrete brick tower has become the Remote Astronomical Telescope Observatory (RATO), the dedication of a sundial garden, and through the Fairfax County Park Authority and a generous grant from the Edlemann's, we now have the Roll-Top Observatory and educational center.. Photo at right: Jacque and Charles Olin in front of the RATO, taken by TR Cook in 2013.
A memorial service was held at Observatory Park, Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA. for Charles on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
CHARLES H. OLIN (1933-2023)
Charles H. Olin was born in Niagara Falls to West Point Grad. Col. Charles L. Olin and Jeanette A. Olin. In youth he developed passions for arts, astronomy, and travel, crossing the ocean via ocean liner many times.
Charles received a B.S. in physics at Dickinson College, where he met his wife, Jacqueline: married in 1955. Charles was commissioned into the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, studying advanced weaponry systems, leading tank maneuvers, and serving in the honor guard at 8th and I Marine Barracks, rising to the rank of captain.
Charles attended graduate school in Fine Arts at Cornell University, and then became one of the first students to attend the Art Conservation Center at New York University, Institute of Fine Arts. Charles was invited by the Smithsonian Institution to establish and develop multiple Conservation Programs for the Smithsonian. He was founder of the U.S. National Museum’s Conservation Analytical Laboratory (now the Museum Conservation Institute), The National Collection of Fine Arts Conservation Lab (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum Lunder Center), and the Conservation Lab at the National Portrait Gallery.
At the Smithsonian, Charles was responsible for conserving exhibits for two Museum openings, establishing analytical processes, and developing programs for training future conservators. He was among the founding members and a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.
After working at the Smithsonian Charles established a private conservation studio in Great Falls, VA: Olin Conservation, Inc. Charles’ company continues to serve numerous private, institutional, and museum clients across the country. During his own work in the private sector, Charles continued to train conservators, including a number of well-respected conservators in the field today. One of these is his son David. Charles was responsible for the conservation of innumerable works, including Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party”.
Charles considered his work in art conservation a "profession", rather than a "business." The key to his approach was observation, understanding, and attention to detail. These qualities were present in his lifelong passions. The study of science, specifically physics and astronomy, was omnipresent in every aspect of Charles's life. He was an avid gardener, naturalist, and he enjoyed the edible bounty of natural plants and wild game. Charles was a dedicated bow hunter and trapper. His love of classical music and opera was well known. Charles led championship teams with the Washington Area Dart Association and made wine from local vineyards. He enjoyed cooking. Charles was an accomplished sailor, including blue water adventures in his Hinckley Pilot 35, Betelgeux.
In Great Falls, VA, Charles became an EMT with the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He was also the founding president of the Analemma Society at Observatory Park.
Survivors include wife, Jacqueline S. Olin, daughter, Dr. Deborah Norris, son David Olin, granddaughters Jessie Taylor and Jacqueline Hernandez, grandson Jon H. Norris, great-granddaughters Avery and Livia Taylor, and great-grandson Monte Taylor.
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