Details

Category: Parktakes Courses

Published: 19 August 2023

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/