Partial Lunar Eclipse - Public Event
Tuesday September 17 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Come to Observatory Park at Turner Farm and watch a partial lunar eclipse of the harvest moon. Only about 8 percent of the moon will be eclipsed by the earth's shadow, appearing to take a small bite out of the moon. The partial eclipse begins at 10:12 PM EDT, the maximum eclipse will occur at 10:44 PM with the partial eclipse ending at 11:15 PM. Nonetheless, it will be interesting. The planet Saturn will be seen nearby. View the eclipse and the night sky through telescopes. Attendees should dress for the nighttime temperatures and are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Gate will be open at 9:15 PM. The event is weather dependent, and will cancel if raining or heavy cloud cover. Check the main page of this Analemma website https://www.analemma.org/ or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) for event updates.
Fall Equinox Celebration - Public Event
Sunday September 22 12-noon to 2:00 PM
Come to a Fall 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 Sunday September 22. School and Scout groups welcome but recommend contacting us in advance via Analemma website email to coordinate. The event is weather dependent, and will cancel if raining. Check the main page of this Analemma website https://www.analemma.org/ or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) for event updates.
Calendar
| Date | Time | Title | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri Oct 4 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
| Mon Oct 7 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Telescopes | 8-Adult |
| Wed Oct 9 2024 | 7:30PM | Looking at the Moon | 8-Adult |
| Fri Oct 11 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
| Tue Oct 15 2024 | 7 PM | Comets: Exotic Visitors to the Inner Solar System | 8-Adult |
| Fri Oct 18 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
| Mon Oct 21 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
| Fri Oct 25 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
| Wed Oct 30 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Astronomy – Night Sky & Constellations | 8-Adult |
| 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 | 7:30PM | Planet Adventure Night | 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 | 8-Adult |
| Fri Nov 22 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | 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 | --- |
Register 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.
The Parktakes programs are held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory unless otherwise stated.
Free Public Night Observing on Friday Nights and special public events do not require registration.
Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. The nighttime programs will include night sky tours and looking through telescopes. Check the @AnalemmaSociety twitter account and http://www.analemma.org/Analemma observing tab for update tweets prior to the event.
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
Saturday, November 16, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
We will have additional Astronomy Festivals in the Winter season.
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/
Looking at the Moon
Instructor: Cal Powell
Wednesday, October 9, 7:30 PM
This program covers basic information about the Earth's natural satellite, the Moon. Learn how to view and recognize features on the Moon's surface even with a small telescope. The class includes observing the Moon and other objects in the night sky with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Comets: Exotic Visitors to the Inner Solar System
Instructor: Bill Burton
Tuesday, October 15, 7 PM
Comets are fascinating objects that make infrequent visits to our celestial neighborhood and don’t stay for long. Originating in the far reaches of the solar system as clumps of ice and dust, comets undergo a remarkable transformation as they approach the sun and are heated by its radiation. Explore the life history of a comet and celebrate great comets of the past. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Planet Adventure Night
Instructor: Analemma Society Staff
Monday, November 11, 7 PM
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/
Scout Astronomy Merit Badge
Instructor: Bridget McArdle
Sunday, November 10, 4:30 PM
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/