Westminster Astronomical Society, Inc.

ASTRONOMY ON THE MALL-DC

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Event

6/20/24 UPDATES:  
*Hofstra is concerned about the legal liability if someone is hurt or injured due to the heat given the warnings.
*We will move inside to the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building 900 Jefferson Drive, SW,  Washington, DC at 9th Street.
*Set-up is 4 – 6 pm, start is 6 pm.
*if anyone wants to bring their optical telescopes at 8 or 8:30 pm this would be OK.  Sunset is 8:37 so we can’t observe any objects until 9:15 or 9:30.

It is time to spread the word about the 2024 AFNM - our best and largest . Put the AFNM up on your schedule of events, contact your partners, contact media, etc. You can add your name if you want to.
Thanks to your hard work, this will be the largest and best annual astronomy festival in the US (27 organizations, 8 colleges and universities, and 7 astronomy clubs).
Stop at the Hofstra tent for registration, to get badges, power packs, table cloths, etc. Suset id 8:37 and the Sun can be observed until almost 8 pm. Stars become visible b y 9:15 to 9:30. We are in front of the Hirshhorn museum and sculpture garden.May be an image of monument and text that says ' H HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL on the National Mall Saturday, June 22, 2024 6-11 pm 7th to 9th Street, SW In front of: Hirshhorn Sculpturc Garden FREE ADMISSION Telescope views of the Sun, star clusters, and colorful stars Hands-on activities Meet an astronomer In association with the Smithsonian So Istice Saturday Smithsonian Museums open late Free parties, programs, performances Geal mech Organized by Dr. Donald Lubowich, Astronomy Outreach, Hofstra University Assisted by scientific/educationa organizations Metro: L'Enfant Plaza Rain Location: Artsand Arts and Industries Building Info: o:www.hofstra.edu/dcstars www. hofstra. edu/dcstars '

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

Time: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern

Location: Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
900 Jefferson Drive, SW,  at 9th St
Washington, DC, DC

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Information for Visitors

Location Details

Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building

900 Jefferson Drive, SW,  at 9th St
Washington, DC, DC
(click to get directions)

check weather forecast

Event Report

Comments and anecdotes about the event:
Due to excessive heat the tables were moved inside while telescopes viewed sun by day and bright deep sky objects by night. There were literally THOUSANDS of people who attended and security was careful to manage the amount of folks in the building at any one time. There were at least 1-2 dozen telescopes of all types outside and at one count, at least 8 food trucks, exclusively selling ice cream and/or frozen drinks. We gave out at least 1200 NASA lithos and were able to provide ASP with a case of assorted to replenish their supply. We were the only one of 7 astronomy clubs present who also manned a table, and hopefully encouraged many to seek local clubs (esp. via NSN web site zip code plug ins) to expand their love of astronomy and desire to learn more. Outside we inspired many and amazed them with what could be seen in very light pollution downtown D.C.
Photo From ASTRONOMY ON THE MALL-DC
Credit: Laurie V. Ansorge Skip Bird of WASI shows sunspots to public at nation's largest Astronomy Festival in D.C.
Photo From ASTRONOMY ON THE MALL-DC
Credit: Laurie V. Ansorge Al Ansorge of WASI engages with public at Astronomy Festival on the Mall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 10/26/2024
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern 		Happy Hour Star Party @ Milkhouse Brewery
Sat 11/9/2024
7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Eastern 		Public Star Party @ BBNC/Planetarium Show Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd Westminster, MD
Wed 11/13/2024
7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Eastern 		Monthly Member Meeting - open to public Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd Westminster, MD
Wed 11/13/2024
7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Eastern 		What's Up & Astronomy Basics Bear Branch Nature Center
300 John Owings Rd Westminster, MD