Event

Join us under the stars for an unforgettable evening of cosmic exploration! Set against the stunning backdrop of the night sky, our rooftop transforms into an open-air observatory. Telescopes will be available for stargazing, with expert guides pointing out constellations, planets, and deep-sky wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a curious beginner, you’ll enjoy celestial stories, astronomy talks, and breathtaking views of the moon and stars. Bring a blanket for the cooler nights and a sense of wonder. 

Courtesy of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers . The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to "Bringing Astronomy to the People of Hampton Roads".  Please feel welcome to join us at any of our free events and take the chance to get lost in the stars and rediscover the sense of wonder that has ignited curiosity and inspired exploration for centuries!

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Eastern

Location: Ghent Rooftop Bar
319 W 21st St Suite A
Norfolk, VA 23517

Information for Visitors
Instructions for the Public:

The event will take place on the roof.  Please be careful your beverages - telescopes and alcohol both require care!

Location Details

Ghent Rooftop Bar

Casual, self-pour taproom with a diverse selection of beers, ciders, and wines, plus comfort food.

Notes:

Astronomy takes place in a de-lighted section of the rooftop bar area.

Event Report

Comments and anecdotes about the event:
Skies were clear and wonderful, but not even the clearest night can make up for downtown Norfolk's light pollution. We were able to do some solar astronomy on a Dwarf 2, then saw Mars, the Double Double, Mizar... and not much else. George pointed out the Big Dipper, the North Star, and the Summer Triangle, and showed interested persons the orange giant star Arcturus. Patrons were excited and engaged regardless, both for the stars they saw and our miraculous-seeming laser pointers. I expect we will see several faces at our other upcoming events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thu 1/22/2026
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Eastern
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Chesapeake , VA
Fri 1/23/2026
5 p.m. - 11:55 p.m. Eastern
Cornland Stargazing Cornland Park
2908 Benefit Rd
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Tue 1/27/2026
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern
Garden Stars Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Rd
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Wed 1/28/2026
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Eastern
ASTRONOMY 101 -How to Learn Astronomy Kempsville Community Recreation Center
800 Monmouth Lane
Virginia Beach, VA