Analemma Society

Founded in 1998, the Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It was created to instill science curiosity through astronomy and collaborate with the Fairfax County Park Authority in developing and operating the facilities at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. The park includes a sundial garden, a scale model of the solar system, the Roll-Top Observatory, the Remote-Access-Telescope Observatory (RATO) (under development), and a radio-astronomy antenna. Permanently-mounted teaching telescopes in the Roll-Top that are operated by Analemma volunteers include a Celestron 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT), a Meade 14-in SCT, and an Astrophysics 7-inch apochromatic refractor. We are also preparing for the operation of a 16-inch Ritchey-Chretien research telescope. Observatory Park was recently designated an Urban Night Sky Place by Dark Sky International for its responsible lighting practices and education about light pollution.

Since 2016 Analemma members have shown the heavens through a telescope to over 20,000 visitors and taught dozens of classes in the Roll-Top Observatory classroom. After a pause for reorganization and a new Memorandum of Agreement with FCPA, we are currently preparing a new slate of classes for the Fall Parktakes session. Dues are $20/year, our regular virtual monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of the month, and the in-person annual meeting is in May. By joining us, you have an unparalleled opportunity to do astronomy outreach and spread STEM awareness to the public. We look forward to meeting and working with you!