Analemma Society Programs
Spring-Summer Courses and Events at Observatory Park - 2024
Summer Solstice Celebration - Public Event
Wednesday June 19 12 Noon to 2 PM
Come to a Summer Solstice celebration public event at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Learn about the path of the Sun on the solstice, 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 Wednesday June 19. The Summer Solstice is on Thursday June 20, but we are holding the event 1 day early on the Juneteenth holiday. 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 twitter account for event updates.
This event sponsored by the Analemma Society and are free with no registration needed. The event is weather dependent, canceled if too cloudy or raining. Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. Information and updates on the events will be posted to the analemma.org website and the @AnalemmaSociety twitter account.
Perseid Meteor Shower - Public Event
Sunday August 11 8:30 PM to Midnight
Come to Observatory Park at Turner Farm and watch the annual Perseid meteor shower. Meteor showers are best viewed with your unaided eyes, laying in a lawn chair or on a blanket looking up at the sky. Attendees can bring portable chairs & blankets and should dress for the nighttime temperatures. Binoculars are also useful for viewing the night sky while sitting or lying down. Park will be open from 8:30 PM to 12 AM. Event is weather dependent, will be cancelled if raining or heavy cloud cover. Check the Analemma.org website or @AnalemmaSociety twitter account for event updates.
This event sponsored by the Analemma Society and are free with no registration needed. The event is weather dependent, canceled if too cloudy or raining. Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. Information and updates on the events will be posted to the analemma.org website and the @AnalemmaSociety twitter account.
Calendar
Date | Time | Title | Age |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
Fri May 31 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Wed June 5 2024 | 8 PM | Meteorites - Exploring Visitors from Space | 8-Adult |
Fri June 7 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Fri June 14 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon June 17 2024 | 8 PM | Rainbows, Haloes, Glories | 8-Adult |
Wed June 19 2024 | Noon - 2 PM | Free Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Observatory Park | 8-Adult |
Fri June 14 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Fri June 21 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Wed June 26 2024 | 8 PM | Introduction to Astronomy - Calendars & Clocks | 8-Adult |
Fri June 28 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Tue July 2 2024 | 8 PM | Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds | 8-Adult |
Fri July 5 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Fri June 12 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon July 15 2024 | 8 PM | Looking at the Moon | 8-Adult |
Wed July 17 2024 | 8 PM | Introduction to Telescopes | 8-Adult |
Fri July 19 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat July 20 2024 | 11 AM | The Strange Shape of Sundials | 8-Adult |
Wed July 24 2024 | 8 PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri July 26 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Tue Aug 6 2024 | 8 PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri Aug 2 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Fri Aug 9 2024 | 8:30PM-10:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sun Aug 11 2024 | 8:30 PM - Midnight | Free - Perseid Meteor Shower Public Viewing at Observatory Park | 8-Adult |
Wed Aug 14 2024 | 8 PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Fri Aug 16 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Aug 17 2024 | 7:30 PM | Fairfax Poet Laureate Poetry Under the Stars | 8-Adult |
Wed Aug 21 2024 | 8 PM | Introduction to Astronomy - Galaxies: The Milky Way & Beyond | 8-Adult |
Fri Aug 23 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Aug 24 2024 | 11 AM | The Sun – Our Neighborhood Star | 8-Adult |
Wed Aug 28 2024 | 8 PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri Aug 30 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | 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.
Roll-Top Course Descriptions
Introduction to Astronomy
Instructors Analemma Society Staff
TThis 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. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Introduction To Telescopes
Instructors: Alan Figgatt and the Analemma Society Staff
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. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Telescope Observing for Beginners
Instructors: Analemma Society Staff
This course covers for beginner and less experienced telescope users 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
Instructor: Analemma Society Staff
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 may offer a virtual sky tour. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star
Instructor: Cal Powell
This presentation will cover what causes the Sun to shine, the Sun's life cycle, and how the Sun compares to other stars. We will also discuss features on the Sun and how to view the Sun safely. The classroom discussion is accompanied by an observing session of the Sun with solar telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Rainbows, Haloes, and Glories
Instructor: Jeff Kretsch
Monday, July 17, 8PM
Covers common and some uncommon phenomena people can see in the day or night sky such as rainbows, haloes and glories. We will also cover sunrise and sunset phenomena like the green flash, the purple light, and simple questions like why the sky is blue and why sunsets are orange. This simple course will teach people how to better appreciate the sky both day and night. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Looking at the Moon
Instructor: Cal Powell
Monday, July 15, 8 PM
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. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Meteorites Exploring Visitors from Space
Instructor: Cal Powell
Monday, June 5, 8 PM
What are meteorites? Where do they come from? What do they tell us? This course is an introduction to these visitors from outer space, suitable for children and adults. Participants will have an opportunity to touch and examine actual meteorites including specimens from the Moon and the planet Mars. After the class, look through the telescopes in the observatory, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
The Strange Shape of Sundials
Instructor: Robert Kellogg
Saturday, July 20, 11 AM
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/
Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds
Instructor: Analemma Society Staff
Explore planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them using cool techniques like watching stars flicker or wobble. Dive into what these planets are made of, whether they could host life, and catch up on the latest discoveries. Perfect for anyone curious about space, this course promises an eye-opening adventure into the exploration of planets beyond our own. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Fairfax Poet Laureate - Poetry Beneath the Stars
Instructor: Fairfax Poet Laureate
Write a poem while gazing at the night sky to see if you can find a shooting star! During this program 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. Hosted by Arts Fairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate as part of the “Poetry in the Parks” series. 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/
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 May 2024
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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.
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
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