Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.

Activities during Star Gaze will include meeting with astronomers who will share their knowledge and show you their astro equipment, solar observing, a guided sky tour, night sky observing, and other demonstrations.

Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets are not permitted onto the observing field.

No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your observing gear, even if it’s just a pair of binoculars.

For preserving everyone’s dark sky eye adaptation, cover your flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening. Please dim your vehicle’s headlights when arriving and departing.

Crockett Park charges $10 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. The event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a NOVAC Observing Pass (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your NOVAC Observing Pass in only a few minutes.

Note: This event is rain or shine.  In the event of rain or overcast skies the speaker sessions will start at 6 pm.