Analemma Society Programs
Spring - Public Observing on Friday Nights
Observatory Park at Turner Farm
The Analemma Society holds Friday Night Public Viewing Sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA.
Every clear Friday night
Then 8 to 10 PM from April 12 to May 3.
Then will shift to the 8:30 to 10:30 PM summer hours starting May 10.
We maintain 4 telescopes in the Roll-Top Observatory for public viewing. In addition, we continue to invite the public to bring their own telescopes and set up outside the Roll-Top or as the weather warms, bring their own binoculars for observing on the grass. There is a lot to see in the night sky.
These public observing sessions at Observatory Park are open to all. Check the Event Notice box on this website or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions. The Observing Page also has sky weather updates. Wear appropriate clothing - nights can be very chilly. The Roll-Top observatory has an enclosed classroom, but the observatory room is not heated and is open to the sky.
Breaking the Attendance Record
The combination of Scout Groups and Green Comet watchers brought 285 visitors and students to Observatory Park at Turner Farm on a very cold (18 deg and windy) Friday Night on February 3rd. In June on one clear Firday night we had over 300 visitors. For the Perseid Meteor Shower in August we had more than 2000 visitors at Observatory Park, Turner Farm. Come join us. And, don't forget to sign up with Fairfax County Parktakes for courses at Observatory Park at our Roll-Top Observatory and Educational Classroom at Turner Farm
Here's what's up in the sky for April 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Viewing
There are 4 telescopes set up for viewing in the Roll-Top observatory including a 7" high quality refractor. For public sessions, we may also have telescopes set up outside the building along the walkway to look through. Members of the public are welcome to bring their own telescopes and set them up as well. If you bring your own telescope equipment and have not been at one of our public sessions before, we recommend you contact one of the volunteers first upon arrival so we can guide you on where to set up.
When you pull into the access road leading into the park, follow the road to the parking lot that will be to the left. Please put your headlights on low when entering the parking lot. All visitors must park in the parking lot. Enter through the pedestrian gate in the Northwest corner of the parking lot and follow the walkway up to the Roll-Top building (the squat building with the moveable roof). For public sessions, the Analemma Society will have a coordinator present to greet people and provide directions. But if the coordinator is busy or providing assistance inside the building, enter through the gray door on the walkway side of the Roll-Top building.
These events are very weather dependent. Check the Event Notice box on this website or the @AnalemmaSociety (formerly twitter) account under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions.
A final note: We have had several requests asking about bringing their dog to the park. Dogs are not allowed into the Roll-Top or RATO observatories and classroom unless they are service dogs. Having your well behaved dog outside on a leash is allowed by the FCPA. Picking up after your dog is a must.
Winter-Spring Courses and Events at Observatory Park - 2024
Winter-Spring Courses & Public Observing at Great Falls Turner Farm Observatory Park
Every clear Friday Night we have free public observing at the Roll-Top Observatory at Great Falls Turner Farm. Check below for the time of opening.
Solar Eclipse Event at Observatory Park
Monday April 8th 1:30PM - 4:30PM
View the partial solar eclipse event on Monday April 8 at the observatory at Turner Farm Park. Learn about the science behind eclipses, what causes them and why they are so locally rare. We will show you the many ways to safely view the eclipse while it is happening, including viewing the eclipse through telescopes equipped with solar filters. The eclipse begins with first contact at 2:03 PM, the peak with the Sun 88% covered is at 3:20 PM, and ends with last contact at 4:32 PM. This is far from being a total eclipse here in Virginia, but still will be impressive. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Program attendees receive a free pair of solar viewing glassettn s. You mustt register via Parktakes to attend the viewing event at Turner Farm. Event is weather dependent.
The Park Authority is also holding Parktakes eclipse viewing events at Burke Lake, Huntley Meadows, Elanor C. Lawrence Parks. Other locations in the region with public viewing events for the April 8 eclipse include the Smithsonian Air & Space Museums on the National Mall and Udvar-Hazy Annex, George Mason University in Fairfax, Centreville Regional Library, Arlington Central Library, Gateway Park in Rosslyn, Beatley Central Library in Alexandria, Widewater State Park in Stafford, Milkhouse Brewery in Mt Airy MD hosted by the Westminster Astronomical Society.
Date | Time | Title | Age |
---|---|---|---|
Fri February 9 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon February 12 2024 | 7:30PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Fri February 16 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat February 17 2024 | 5:30 to 8 PM | Astronomy Festival | 3 and up |
Tue February 20 2024 | 7:30PM | James Webb Space Telescope: Astronomy's Next Big Step | 8-Adult |
Fri February 23 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon February 26 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Wed February 28 2024 | 7:30PM | Astronomy - Listening to the Universe | 8-Adult |
Fri March 1 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Wed March 6 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Astronomy - The Solar System | 8-Adult |
Fri March 8 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat March 9 2024 | 6:30-8:30PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Sun March 12 2024 | 7:30PM | Stargazing with Binoculars | 8-Adult |
Fri March 15 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sun March 17 2024 | Noon-2PM | Spring Equinox Celebration (Free to Public) | All Ages |
Mon March 18 2024 | 7:30PM | Exploring the Moon | 8-Adult |
Wed March 20 2024 | 7:30PM | Pluto: Planet or Something Else? | 8-Adult |
Fri March 22 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon March 25 2024 | 7:30PM | Preview of the Great American April 2024 Solar Eclipse | 8-Adult |
Wed March 27 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri March 29 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Tue April 2 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Telescopes | 8-Adult |
Thrs April 4 2024 | 7:30PM | Safe Solar Viewing - Exploring the Sun Responsibly | 8-Adult |
Fri April 5 2024 | 7:30PM-9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon April 8 2024 | 2:00PM-4:30PM | Solar Eclipse - REGISTER AT PARKTAKES |
3-Adult |
Fri April 12 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon April 15 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Wed April 17 2024 | 7:30PM | Find Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps | 8-Adult |
Fri April 19 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Wed April 24 2024 | 8:00PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Fri April 26 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Fri May 3 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat May 4 2024 | 11AM | The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star | 8-Adult |
Sat May 4 2024 | 7:30PM | Fairfax Poet Laureate - Poetry Beneath the Stars | 8-Adult |
Fri May 10 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon May 13 2024 | 8 PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri May 17 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat May 18 2024 | 8-10 AM | Basics of Birding | 10-Adult |
Mon May 20 2024 | 8 PM | Introduction to Astronomy - The Cosmic Distance Ladder | 8-Adult |
Fri May 24 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Register at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/.
Locate our astronomy programs under Turner Farm Park (place selection) at the FCPA Parktakes website. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Our events and programs are under “Science and Technology” or “Events” category. Age range for our Parktakes programs is 8 to Adult unless otherwise stated. You must register for these classes in advance.
The Parktakes courses are held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory unless otherwise stated.
Free Public Night Observing on Friday Nights and special public events do not require registration.
Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. The nighttime programs will include night sky tours and looking through telescopes. Check the @AnalemmaSociety twitter account and http://www.analemma.org/Analemma observing tab for update tweets prior to the event.
Special Events
Spring Equinox Celebration (Free to Public)
Sun Mar 17 Noon-2pm
Come to a Spring Equinox celebration public event at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Learn about the path of the Sun on the equinox, the seasons of the year, sundials, observe the Sun through solar telescopes, and take a Solar System walk.
Event is from 12 Noon to 2 PM on Sunday March 17. The Spring Equinox is on Tuesday March 19, but we are holding the public event 2 days early so more people can attend. School and Scout groups welcome but recommend contacting us in advance via Analemma website email to coordinate. Event may be canceled if raining. Check the Analemma.org website or @AnalemmaSociety (formerly twitter) account for event updates. This event is sponsored by the Analemma Society and is free with no registration needed.
Roll-Top Course Descriptions and Events
Astronomy Festival
Saturday Mar 9, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through telescopes, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations round the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase. The Festival is held at Observatory Park at Turner Farm and the Roll-Top Observatory. Event is canceled if raining or snowing. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Vienna's Green Expo
Thursday April 18 7-9pm
The Analemma Society will attend Vienna's Green Expo hosted by the Conservation and Sustainability Commission on April 20th. The Expo will be held from 7-9pm. at the Vienna Community Center,120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180. The Analemma Society plans to have a table with observatory infomation and several volunteers to answer questions about Analemma Society, Observatory Park, and programs on astronomy education offered through the Fairfax County Park Authority. One of the volunteers will be a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador sharing science with student-aged visitors.
A request has been made to have he Analemma Society table placed adjacent to Dark Sky Friends table (local founder Eileen Kragie) as our messaging is more impactful when reinforced by our aligning missions.
Introduction to Astronomy
This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe we see in the sky around us. 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 we can observe in the sky. The course covers different subjects in astronomy from class to class. Classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Introduction To Telescopes
Now that you have received a new telescope, how do you set it up and use it? Or are you considering buying a telescope? This course goes into introductory basics of Astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Telescope Observing for Beginners
This course is for beginner and less experienced telescope users and covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources you might use. Will provide hands-on observing with telescopes if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and for assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken independently. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory
This program is a fun tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky that can be seen with the eye and in telescopes. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe around our planet. The classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. If inclement weather, then we will do a virtual sky tour. Course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Stargazing with Binoculars
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 session to help you find objects visible in the night sky, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Find Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps
Instructor: Cal Powell
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 discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting.Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Safe Solar Viewing - Exploring the Sun Responsibly
Instructor: Sebastian Arnex
Discover the scientific insights of our nearest star, the Sun, while learning how to observe it safely. Our "Safe Solar Viewing" course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to view the Sun without risking eye damage. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a curious science enthusiast, or simply want to understand our solar system better, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of solar phenomena and the tools and techniques to observe them securely.Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Solar Eclipse of 2024
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024
Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States from Texas to Maine, and Canada. Best viewing in the United States will be in the Southwest from cities such as San Antonio, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Be sure you're familiar with and when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN, EVEN WITH SUNGLASSES. View the eclipse through telescopes equipped with safe solar filters. On two nights before the eclipse, Parktakes courses discuss the April 8th total solar eclipse and its path across the United States and how to safely watch it. From the Washington DC and Virginia area the eclipse will only be partial, but nonetheless impressive. On the day of the eclipse, Observatory Park will be open to the public for viewing the sun through a choronograph and having fun casting pin-hole images of the sun on the ground. For the two evening courses, Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Listening to the Universe
Instructor: Robert Kellogg
Wednesday, February 28, 7:30PM
What can you hear from space? Join the adventure to understand cosmic noise and what it tells us about the sun, the magnetic structure surrounding some of our planets and the radio signals from Jupiter. Then learn how our galaxy is mapped using the faint signals from hydrogen atoms and the behavior of molecules. Listen to the sounds of pulsars, strange dense fast rotating stars. Come hear what our universe is saying. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Pluto: Planet or Something Else?
Instructor: Cal Powell
What is Pluto? Why did astronomers have so much difficulty with the classification of Pluto? This presentation will cover what we know about Pluto, the 2006 decision to designate Pluto as a "dwarf planet" and explain why that decision is still controversial. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Exploring the Moon
Instructor: Bill Burton
The Moon is as old as the Earth, and its surface is marked by craters and lava flows billions of years old. Explore these lunar features through high-powered telescopes and learn about their origins. See where the Apollo lunar landings occurred and discuss what the astronauts found. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star
Instructor: Cal Powell
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 discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
James Webb Space Telescope: Astronomy's Next Big Step
Instructor: Bill Burton
Tuesday February 20 7:30PM
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. JWST is now returning images and data that promise to revolutionize our understanding of galactic evolution and atmospheres of exoplanets, among other things. We will review the steps to deploy the JWST and discuss the scientific significance of selected images. The class is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Fairfax Poet Laureate - Poetry Beneath the Stars
Instructor: Fairfax Poet Laureate
Hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate, come celebrate a new poetry series called “Poetry in the Parks. Write a poem while gazing at the night sky to see if you can find a shooting stars! During this event in the series you will be asked to dig deep and contemplate the cosmos through poetic form. Examples of star-gazing poetry and writing prompts will be provided. This event will include telescope viewing in the Roll Top Observatory, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Basics of Birding
Instructor: Bill Burton
Watching birds is a great way to connect with the natural world around us. Tour the park on foot developing your birding skills with the help of a printed guide and learn about other birding resources in the classroom. Binoculars recommended; a few pairs will be available for use. Children 10-16 must be accompanied by registered adult. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Analemma Society covered by NBC on-line News
Emily Hung and crew from NBC created a 5-minute piece on light pollution, one of a series of 5-minute videos called Washington Wonders. At the beginning, Analemma Society President Jeff Kretsch is interviewed about seeing the night and providing astronomical outreach to the public (historic images of Observatory Park supplied by Christina Tyler Wenks. Tom Reinert, President of Dark Sky International discussed the impact of light pollution on wildlife and the importance of educating the public. Jill Johnson of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Anne Lewis, Co-Founder of City Wildlife, focused on the brightening night sky's impact on migratory birds. Emily Hung commented in an email to Analemma Society,"Thank you for your patience and taking the time to share your expertise of the subject! My colleagues are currently working to get the story on NBC’s digital page..." Meanwhile, she shared an advanced copy of the NBC video intended for their on-line magazine with Analemma Society, presented below and temporaroily available at f.io/WhWV9Uwu
Circumzenithal Arc to End the Year
Dr. Jeff Kretsch frequents Observatory Park at Turner Farm and on the last day of 2023 took this photo of the sun's circumzenithal arc (sometimes called Bravais' arc) about 48 degrees from the sun, showing a rainbow of color. The arc (actually part of a circular halo) is created by plate-shaped ice crystals in the Cirrus clouds. The center of the arc appears to be at zenith (hence its name). For the sun angles to refract from the ice crystals to an observer on the earth, the elevation of the sun must be less than 32 degrees above the horizon. Note that blue is "on top" and red is "on the bottom". A normal rainbow created by water droplets has red on top.
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day - 19 Dec 2023
One of our Analemma Society volunteers, Steven Powell, is a dedicated astronomical observer. In a recent email, he said, "I'm happy to say that my 32 hour exposure image of the California nebula [NGC 1499] will be displayed as the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day on December 19th." You can find the full-size image on the NASA website: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231219.html At right is a small thumbnail view.
His photograph and hundreds of other spectacular views of the cosmos can be found in the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day archive at: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
Analemma Society honored with FCPA Harold Strickland Partnership Award
The Fairfax County Park Authority awarded Analemma Society the 2023 Harold Strickland Award for Collaboration and Partnership for creating programming for Observatory Park visitors that minimizes or eliminates park bond funding. This award, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp3VeBj4P-8, is decades in the making with a growing number of patrons and programs.
In the past 5 years, Analemma Society has worked with more than 18,000 visitors at Observatory Park. Analemma Society volunteers donate more than 1,800 volunteer hours per year, fundraise for telescope purchases and maintain scientific equipment, as well as provide education and programs and festivals that teach science, technology, engineering and math through astronomy at Observatory Park in Great Falls, Virginia.
This year's ceremony featured a tribute to the vision and years of dedication of Analemma Society late founder Charles Olin https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. Fairfax County Park Authority Dranesville district representatives Timothy Hackman presented the Harold Strickland Award to Christina Tyler Wenks, who accepted the award for Analemma Society and was also named an outstanding volunteer. The award was given to Charles's wife, Jacqueline Olin, as the couple founded Analemma Society and Observatory Park together.
More information about the Elly Doyle Awards and recipients may be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. These videos were produced by Fairfax County Channel 16 and are shared with permission in celebration of the work of the many Analemma Society volunteers.
Passing of Analemma Founder Charles Olin
We are sad to report that after a period of ill health, Charles Olin, founding president of the Analemma Society passed away Tuesday night, March 28th, 2023. Without his vision there would be no Observatory Park. Charles and Jacque Olin were a powerful team that time and again accomplished things that seemed impossible. From a field of grass on the old Defense Mapping Agency and Nike site at Turner Farm, the concrete brick tower has become the Remote Astronomical Telescope Observatory (RATO), the dedication of a sundial garden, and through the Fairfax County Park Authority and a generous grant from the Edlemann's, we now have the Roll-Top Observatory and educational center.. Photo at right: Jacque and Charles Olin in front of the RATO, taken by TR Cook in 2013.
A memorial service was held at Observatory Park, Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA. for Charles on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
CHARLES H. OLIN (1933-2023)
Charles H. Olin was born in Niagara Falls to West Point Grad. Col. Charles L. Olin and Jeanette A. Olin. In youth he developed passions for arts, astronomy, and travel, crossing the ocean via ocean liner many times.
Charles received a B.S. in physics at Dickinson College, where he met his wife, Jacqueline: married in 1955. Charles was commissioned into the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, studying advanced weaponry systems, leading tank maneuvers, and serving in the honor guard at 8th and I Marine Barracks, rising to the rank of captain.
Charles attended graduate school in Fine Arts at Cornell University, and then became one of the first students to attend the Art Conservation Center at New York University, Institute of Fine Arts. Charles was invited by the Smithsonian Institution to establish and develop multiple Conservation Programs for the Smithsonian. He was founder of the U.S. National Museum’s Conservation Analytical Laboratory (now the Museum Conservation Institute), The National Collection of Fine Arts Conservation Lab (now the Smithsonian American Art Museum Lunder Center), and the Conservation Lab at the National Portrait Gallery.
At the Smithsonian, Charles was responsible for conserving exhibits for two Museum openings, establishing analytical processes, and developing programs for training future conservators. He was among the founding members and a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.
After working at the Smithsonian Charles established a private conservation studio in Great Falls, VA: Olin Conservation, Inc. Charles’ company continues to serve numerous private, institutional, and museum clients across the country. During his own work in the private sector, Charles continued to train conservators, including a number of well-respected conservators in the field today. One of these is his son David. Charles was responsible for the conservation of innumerable works, including Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party”.
Charles considered his work in art conservation a "profession", rather than a "business." The key to his approach was observation, understanding, and attention to detail. These qualities were present in his lifelong passions. The study of science, specifically physics and astronomy, was omnipresent in every aspect of Charles's life. He was an avid gardener, naturalist, and he enjoyed the edible bounty of natural plants and wild game. Charles was a dedicated bow hunter and trapper. His love of classical music and opera was well known. Charles led championship teams with the Washington Area Dart Association and made wine from local vineyards. He enjoyed cooking. Charles was an accomplished sailor, including blue water adventures in his Hinckley Pilot 35, Betelgeux.
In Great Falls, VA, Charles became an EMT with the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He was also the founding president of the Analemma Society at Observatory Park.
Survivors include wife, Jacqueline S. Olin, daughter, Dr. Deborah Norris, son David Olin, granddaughters Jessie Taylor and Jacqueline Hernandez, grandson Jon H. Norris, great-granddaughters Avery and Livia Taylor, and great-grandson Monte Taylor.
Simple Sky Observing
How to Find the Best Stuff in the Night Sky From Absolutely Anywhere
Atlas Obscura says it all very nicely in an article by Jessica Leigh Hester, with illustrations by Kristen Boydstun: Click -> Atlas Obscura - How to Find the Best Stuff in the Sky - Anywhere
Page 1 of 2