Spaces Available for Upcoming Classes Taught by Analemma Society Instructors!

Pluto - Planet or Something Else? - Monday, September 28, 7:30 - 9:00pm

This presentation will cover what we know about Pluto, the 2006 decision to designate Pluto as a "dwarf planet" and explain why that decision is still controversial. The discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. It is recommend parents accompany younger children. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available.

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

Mon, September 21 7:30 PM Rainbows, Haloes & Glories - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Wed, September 23 7:00 PM Introduction to Astronomy Details & Registration

Sat, September 26 7:00 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration

Mon, September 28 7:30 PM Pluto - Planet or Something Else? - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

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

Sat, November 14 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration

Mon, November 16 7:30 PM Exploring the Moon Details & Registration

Wed, November 18 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration

Sat, November 21 5:30 PM BGS - Space Science Adventurer Details & Registration

Mon, November 23 7:30 PM Introduction to Telescopes - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

Sat, November 28 6:30 PM Dark Sky Patch – Daisy and Brownie Details & Registration

Mon, November 30 7:30 PM Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My! - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration

More Coming Soon

Each event above links out to its official Parktakes registration page. Membership details and our photo gallery will live here once the full site launches. Questions in the meantime? Reach out below.

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