Alert:
10/10/2026 6:30 pm to 10/10/2026 8:00 pm
Explore the fundamentals of astronomy, from planets and stars to the objects and phenomena that fill our universe. A classroom discussion is followed by telescope viewing, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
10/12/2026 1:00 pm to 10/12/2026 2:30 pm
Explore the history and variety of sundials, then make your own paper sundial. The program begins in the Roll-Top Observatory classroom and is followed by telescope viewing of the sun. Instruction is provided by Analemma Society volunteers.
Ages 8 and older.
10/14/2026 6:30 pm to 10/14/2026 8:00 pm
Tour the planets and moons visible in the current night sky, then explore through telescopes, weather permitting. No astronomy experience is needed. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered.
Ages 6 and older.
10/17/2026 6:30 pm to 10/17/2026 8:00 pm
Examine handheld globes of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and the moon to explore their similarities, differences and conditions for life. View planets and the night sky through telescopes, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
10/19/2026 7:30 pm to 10/19/2026 9:00 pm
Learn the basics of telescope observing and astronomy resources, then practice viewing the night sky, weather permitting. Bring your own telescope for assistance if desired. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine. FCPA, its staff and volunteers are not responsible for personal equipment.
Ages 8 and older.
10/21/2026 6:30 pm to 10/21/2026 8:00 pm
Discover planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them by watching stars flicker or wobble. Explore what these worlds are made of, whether they could support life and what recent discoveries reveal. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
10/23/2026 7:00 pm to 10/23/2026 9:00 pm
Explore the night sky at Observatory Park at Turner Farm.
September 18 and October 23 | 7–9 p.m.
Free • Registration required
10/24/2026 6:30 pm to 10/24/2026 8:00 pm
Tour planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies using telescopes or your eyes. No astronomy experience is needed. If weather prevents viewing, explore images of objects visible under clear skies. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
10/26/2026 7:30 pm to 10/26/2026 9:00 pm
Discover what meteorites are and where they come from while examining specimens, including meteorites from the moon and Mars. A classroom discussion is followed by telescope viewing, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory classroom. Instruction is provided by Analemma Society volunteers.
Ages 8 and older.
10/28/2026 6:30 pm to 10/28/2026 8:00 pm
Explore the fundamentals of astronomy, from planets and stars to the objects and phenomena that fill our universe. A classroom discussion is followed by telescope viewing, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
11/02/2026 7:30 pm to 11/02/2026 9:00 pm
Explore questions about the Big Bang, the evolution of stars and galaxies, dark matter and dark energy. Learn how astronomers use observations to investigate the universe. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory with optional telescope viewing, weather permitting. Instruction is provided by Analemma Society volunteers.
Ages 8 and…
11/04/2026 6:30 pm to 11/04/2026 8:00 pm
Tour the planets and moons visible in the current night sky, then explore through telescopes, weather permitting. No astronomy experience is needed. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered.
Ages 6 and older.
11/06/2026 5:30 pm to 11/06/2026 8:00 pm
Join Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts for crafts and activities that fulfill astronomy badge requirements. Stations cover Space Science badges for Daisies through Juniors, the Daisy/Brownie Dark Sky Patch and the Tiger Scout Sky Is the Limit adventure. Most requirements can be completed in about 90 minutes, but Scouts may stay for the full…
11/07/2026 7:30 pm to 11/07/2026 9:00 pm
Examine handheld globes of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and the moon to explore their similarities, differences and conditions for life. View planets and the night sky through telescopes, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
11/09/2026 7:30 pm to 11/09/2026 9:00 pm
Learn how to use binoculars to find planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulas and explore the star fields of the Milky Way. Bring binoculars if you have them. An observing session is included, weather permitting. Instruction is provided by Analemma Society volunteers.
Ages 8 and older.
11/11/2026 6:30 pm to 11/11/2026 8:00 pm
Discover planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them by watching stars flicker or wobble. Explore what these worlds are made of, whether they could support life and what recent discoveries reveal. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
Ages 8 and older.
11/16/2026 7:30 pm to 11/16/2026 9:00 pm
Discover how the moon’s craters, mountains and ancient lava flows formed, then observe these features through high-powered telescopes. Learn about Apollo discoveries and future moon missions. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine. Advance registration is required; no walk-in registration is available.
Ages 8 and…
11/18/2026 6:30 pm to 11/18/2026 8:00 pm
Tour planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies using telescopes or your eyes. No astronomy experience is needed. If weather prevents viewing, explore images of objects visible under clear skies. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine.
11/23/2026 7:30 pm to 11/23/2026 9:00 pm
Learn astronomy basics and how to set up and use a telescope. Practice with telescopes and view objects in the sky at the Roll-Top Observatory, weather permitting. Bring your own telescope for assistance if desired. FCPA, its staff and volunteers are not responsible for personal equipment.
Ages 8 and older.
11/28/2026 6:30 pm to 11/28/2026 8:00 pm
Discover why dark skies matter, observe the effects of light pollution and learn how to reduce it. Share what you learn with others and receive a patch, included with the program. Made possible with support from the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Ages 5 to 9.
11/30/2026 7:30 pm to 11/30/2026 9:00 pm
Explore nebulas, star clusters and galaxies in an interactive introduction to deep-sky objects. After class, view the night sky through observatory telescopes, weather permitting. The program meets in the Roll-Top Observatory, rain or shine. Instruction is provided by Analemma Society volunteers.
Ages 8 and older.