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Look For Jupiter at Riverbend Park’s Astronomy Festival

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, the moon will be approaching its “new” phase, which means bright moon light won’t be present and the sky will be dark – the perfect conditions for an astronomy festival. As long as it’s not raining or snowing that night, people are invited to gather at Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Va., for an evening of stargazing, stories, and snacks. This twohour event begins at 7 p.m. and admission is $5 per person.

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will be the highlight of the night. Families will have the opportunity to study the gaseous giant and its Galilean moons through the park’s powerful Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Naturalists will point out constellations and share ancient stories associated with them around a warming fire. Children will enjoy making crafts and playing games, and hot chocolate and snacks will be available for purchase.

Reservations are only required for groups of 10 or more people. For more information, please call the park at 703-759-9018.

Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street in Great Falls, Va. For more information on the park, visit us online.