Lunar Eclipse Public Viewing Session

Friday March 14 from 1 AM to 5 AM

View a total Lunar eclipse in the early hours of Friday, March 14 at the observatory at Turner Farm. The subtle penumbral eclipse starts at 11:57 PM, the more dramatic partial eclipse stage starts at 1:09 AM PM, total eclipse starts at 2:26 AM, maximum eclipse is 2:58 AM, total eclipse ends at 3:31 AM, partial eclipse ends at 4:47 AM, and the penumbral stage ends at 6:00 AM. View the eclipse and the night sky through telescopes. Attendees can bring portable chairs & blankets, should dress for the nighttime temperatures, and are welcome to bring their own telescopes.  This event is sponsored by the Analemma Society and is free to the public.  No Registration needed.

Spring Equinox Celebration

Saturday March 22 from 12 Noon to 2 PM

Come to the Spring Equinox celebration public event at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Learn about the path of the Sun on the equinox, the seasons of the year, sundials, observe the Sun through solar telescopes, and take a Solar System walk. Event is from 12 Noon to 2 PM on Saturday March 22. The Spring Equinox is Thursday March 20 but we are holding the public event on Saturday so more people can attend. School and Scout groups welcome but recommend contacting us in advance via Analemma website email to coordinate. This event is sponsored by the Analemma Society and is free to the public.  No Registration needed.

For all weather dependent public events, check the Analemma.org website or @AnalemmaSociety X (Twitter) account for event updates. These events are sponsored by the Analemma Society and are free with no registration needed.

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.

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.

Lunar Eclipse Public Viewing Session: Friday March 14 from 1 AM to 5 AM

View a total Lunar eclipse in the early hours of Friday, March 14 at the observatory at Turner Farm. The subtle penumbral eclipse starts at 11:57 PM, the more dramatic partial eclipse stage starts at 1:09 AM PM, total eclipse starts at 2:26 AM, maximum eclipse is 2:58 AM, total eclipse ends at 3:31 AM, partial eclipse ends at 4:47 AM, and the penumbral stage ends at 6:00 AM. View the eclipse and the night sky through telescopes. Attendees can bring portable chairs & blankets, should dress for the nighttime temperatures, and are welcome to bring their own telescopes.

Spring Equinox Celebration: Saturday March 22 from 12 Noon to 2 PM

Come to the Spring Equinox celebration public event at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Learn about the path of the Sun on the equinox, the seasons of the year, sundials, observe the Sun through solar telescopes, and take a Solar System walk. Event is from 12 Noon to 2 PM on Saturday March 22. The Spring Equinox is Thursday March 20 but we are holding the public event on Saturday so more people can attend. School and Scout groups welcome but recommend contacting us in advance via Analemma website email to coordinate.

These events are sponsored by the Analemma Society and are free with no registration needed.

Parktakes classes require registration and a small fee: Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

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/

Stargazing with Binoculars 

Instructor: Dan Ward

Wednesday,   Apr 2  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

Tuesday,    Apr 22   8:00 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/

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/

The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star

Instructor: Cal Powell 

Saturday,    May 10    11:00 AM

This presentation will cover what causes the Sun to shine, the Sun's life cycle, and how the Sun compares to other stars. We will also discuss features on the Sun and how to view the Sun safely. The classroom discussion is accompanied by an observing session of the Sun with solar telescopes, weather permitting. 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/ 

Origin of Our Universe – The Big Bang 

Instructor:  Dr. Robert Kellogg

Monday,   Apr 28  8:00 PM

We all want to know how our universe began, how stars and galaxies evolved, and what is this stuff called dark matter and dark energy. In this seminar we'll look at what astronomers try to answer these big questions about the big bang. We'll also look at some of the astronomers and what their observations revealed. 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

Basics of Birding

Instructor: Bill Burton

Saturday,   May 17  8:00-10:00 AM

Watching birds is a great way to connect with the natural world around us. Tour the park on foot developing your birding skills with the help of a printed guide and learn about other birding resources in the classroom. Binoculars recommended; a few pairs will be available for use. Children 10-16 must be accompanied by registered adult. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Observatory Park at Turner Farm

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

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

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. 

Special Public Events: Friday      March 14   1:00 AM - 5:00 AM    Total Lunar Eclipse 

Special Public Events: Saturday March 22 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM  Spring Equinox Celebraion 

These are Public Viewing Events - No Charge or Registration

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 Jan-Feb 2025

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.

The public observing sessions and viewing events are free, no registration needed. They are weather dependent, canceled if too cloudy or raining. Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. Information and updates on the events will be posted to the analemma.org website and the @AnalemmaSociety twitter (X) account.

Check the Event Notice box on this website or the @AnalemmaSociety  on X (formerly twitter) under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions.

Dress warmly as the observatory is not heated.

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.