The Turner Farm

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open dawn to dusk except for speciality, after-hours events hosted only on Friday nights
925 Springvale Road
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
Nicole Mitchell, MPA
Waterfront Sites and Nature Centers Branch Manager

Turner Farm Park Events

Department Resources

Telescope Observing for Beginners

08/14/2024 8:00 pm to 08/14/2024 9:00 pm

(8-Adult) This course covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources. Class will provide hands-on observation with telescopes weather permitting. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and receive assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken…

Fairfax Poet Laureate - Poetry Beneath the Stars

08/17/2024 7:30 pm

Write a poem while gazing at the night sky to see if you can find a shooting star. The event is free but registration is recommended.

Introduction to Astronomy

08/21/2024 8:00 pm to 08/21/2024 9:00 pm

(8-Adult) This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. 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 in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes,…

The Sun - Our Neighborhood Star

08/24/2024 11:00 am to 08/24/2024 12:00 pm

(8-Adult) Learn what causes the Sun to shine, the Sun's life cycle, and how the Sun compares to other stars. Discuss features on the Sun and how to view the Sun safely. A classroom discussion is accompanied by an observing session of the Sun with solar telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top…

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

08/28/2024 8:00 pm to 08/28/2024 9:00 pm

(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held…

Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My!

09/09/2024 7:30 pm to 09/09/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) 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. After the class, look through…

Impacts & Craters - Landscaping the Solar System

09/11/2024 7:30 pm to 09/11/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) Our Moon gives us a great glimpse into the variety and extent of impact explosion cratering - the most common landscape form in our solar system. Learn how to recognize the three types of craters and understand both how they were formed and how they can change over time. Classroom discussion and hands on demonstration are followed by a…

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

09/17/2024 7:30 pm to 09/17/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held…

Introduction to Astronomy

09/25/2024 7:30 pm to 09/25/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. 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 in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes,…

Astronomy - The Relentless and Violent Universe

09/30/2024 7:30 pm to 09/30/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) While looking up at the night sky, the universe seems quiet and restful. But the universe is full of relentless and violent events. Join us to learn about pulsars, giant black holes and quasars. Our own galaxy will collide with the Magellanic Clouds and then with the Andromeda Galaxy. The discussion is followed by an observing session…

Intro to Telescopes

10/07/2024 7:30 pm to 10/07/2024 9:00 pm

(8-Adult) For those who are new to using a telescope or contemplating purchasing one, this course goes into introductory basics of astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Class will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows.…

Looking at the Moon

10/09/2024 7:30 pm to 10/09/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) 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. The course is held rain or clear skies in the…

Comets - Exotic Visitors to the Inner Solar System

10/15/2024 7:30 pm to 10/15/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) 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. Join us in this one-hour class as we explore…

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

10/21/2024 7:30 pm to 10/21/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held…

Introduction to Astronomy

10/30/2024 7:30 pm to 10/30/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. 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 in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes,…

Telescope Observing for Beginners

11/04/2024 7:30 pm to 11/04/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) This course covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources. Class will provide hands-on observation with telescopes weather permitting. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and receive assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken…

Stargazing with Binoculars

11/07/2024 7:30 pm to 11/07/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) 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…

Planet Adventure Night

11/11/2024 7:00 pm to 11/11/2024 8:00 pm

(6-Adult) 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. The course…

Astronomy Festival

11/16/2024 5:00 pm to 11/16/2024 7:30 pm

Gaze up at the autumn night sky at the Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm Park. There will be guided stargazing sessions and telescope viewing. Gather round the campfire for some ancient constellation tales, while sipping some hot chocolate.

Event canceled if raining or snowing.

Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory

11/20/2024 7:30 pm to 11/20/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held…

Find Your Way in the Night Sky- Intro to Star Maps

11/25/2024 7:30 pm to 11/25/2024 8:30 pm

(8-Adult) 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 classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes,…

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