Spaces Available for Upcoming Classes Taught by Analemma Society Instructors!

New Astronomy: NextGen Electronic TelescopesMonday Oct. 05 - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Discover how electronically assisted astronomy combines telescopes with sensors and imaging technology to reveal the night sky. Explore examples of this emerging field with Analemma Society volunteers. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.Analemma Society instructors Dan Ward, Mary Blessing, and Karen Cox have done electronically-assisted astronomy and astrophotography with everything from cell phones to professional rigs. Blessing was selected to fly on both the Kuiper and SOFIA NASA airborne observatories while an astronomy teacher at Herndon High. Come hear their experience with a range of equipment before making any holiday purchases.

The Strange Shape of Sundials - Monday, October 12 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Sundials are the world's oldest clocks, seen in alignments of Stonehenge and Newgrange. Ben Franklin had exploding sundials and Thomas Jefferson built a new type of sundial for that time. Learn about the many kinds of sundials and make your own paper sundial. The course will be held in the Roll-Top observatory classroom followed by telescope observing of the sun. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

Analemma Society

Space for Everyone

The Analemma Society brings astronomy to the community — free public stargazing, guided night-sky tours, and educational programs at the Roll-Top Observatory in Observatory Park at Turner Farm Park. Whether you've never looked through a telescope or you track every meteor shower on the calendar, there's a place for you here.

See Upcoming Events ↓

Upcoming Events

Location: Observatory Park · Turner Farm Park, Great Falls, VA · View on map

Details subject to change — always confirm with the current FCPA Parktakes schedule before you go.

September 2026

Wed, September 30 7:00 PM Exploring the Inner Planets Details & Registration

October 2026

Sat, October 3 6:30 PM Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds Details & Registration

Mon, October 5 7:30 PM New Astronomy - NextGen Electronic Telescopes - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, October 7 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration

Sat, October 10 6:30 PM Introduction to Astronomy Details & Registration

Mon, October 12 1:00 PM The Strange Shape of Sundials - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, October 14 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration

Sat, October 17 6:30 PM Exploring the Inner Planets Details & Registration

Mon, October 19 7:30 PM Telescope Observing for Beginners - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, October 21 6:30 PM Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds Details & Registration

Fri, October 23 7:00 PM Updated Information AS Sponsored Night Sky Viewing

This evening program will highlight the unique viewing opportunities at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Explore the special sights appearing in the night sky this month, take part in solar system walks, and enjoy dark sky education. This public viewing event is free, but registration is required to secure your spot under the stars.<br><strong class='ti-badge'>Note: attendees are asked to bring 1-2 non-perishable food items to benefit Cornerstones of Reston</strong>

Sat, October 24 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration

Mon, October 26 7:30 PM Meteorites - Exploring Visitors from Space - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, October 28 6:30 PM Introduction to Astronomy Details & Registration

November 2026

Sun, November 1 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Astronomy Merit Badge Details & Registration

Mon, November 2 7:30 PM Origin of our Universe - The Big Bang 8+ - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, November 4 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration

Fri, November 6 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Scouts Love the Stars - Astronomy Badge Workshop Details & Registration

Sat, November 7 6:00 PM DGS - Space Science Explorer Details & Registration

Sat, November 7 7:30 PM Exploring the Inner Planets Details & Registration

Mon, November 9 7:30 PM Stargazing with Binoculars - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, November 11 6:30 PM Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds Details & Registration