Analemma Society
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Upcoming Classes Taught by AS Instructors!

9 Nov: Stargazing with Binoculars

Mon 9 Nov 7:30 - 9 pm

AS observer extraordinaire Dan Ward shows how to use binoculars to find planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and to "stroll" through the beautiful star fields of the Milky Way. Click title to register. See below for details.

16 Nov: Exploring the Moon

Mon 16 Nov 7:30 - 9 pm

The Moon is as old as the Earth, and its surface is marked by craters, mountains and lava flows billions of years old. Find out how these lunar features formed and observe them in high-powered telescopes. Learn about the Apollo program discoveries and future Moon missions. The program is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Click title to register.

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Bring Back Free Friday Night Star-Gazing at Turner Farm!

Analemma Society

Space for Everyone

The Analemma Society brings astronomy to the community — free public stargazing, guided night-sky tours, and educational programs at the Roll-Top Observatory in Observatory Park at Turner Farm Park. Whether you've never looked through a telescope or you track every meteor shower on the calendar, there's a place for you here.
See Upcoming Events ↓

Upcoming Events

Location: Observatory Park · Turner Farm Park, Great Falls, VA  ·  View on map

Details subject to change — always confirm with the current FCPA Parktakes schedule before you go.

November 2026
Wed, November 4 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration
Fri, November 6 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Scouts Love the Stars - Astronomy Badge Workshop Details & Registration
Sat, November 7 6:00 PM DGS - Space Science Explorer Details & Registration
Sat, November 7 7:30 PM Exploring the Inner Planets Details & Registration
Mon, November 9 7:30 PM Stargazing with Binoculars - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration
Wed, November 11 6:30 PM Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds Details & Registration
Sat, November 14 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration
Mon, November 16 7:30 PM Exploring the Moon - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration
Wed, November 18 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration
Sat, November 21 5:30 PM BGS - Space Science Adventurer Details & Registration
Mon, November 23 7:30 PM Introduction to Telescopes - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration
Sat, November 28 6:30 PM Dark Sky Patch – Daisy and Brownie Details & Registration
Mon, November 30 7:30 PM Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies, Oh My! - Taught by AS Instructors Details & Registration
December 2026
Thu, December 3 6:30 PM Introduction to Astronomy Details & Registration
This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of planets and stars, and interesting phenomena in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner.
Fri, December 4 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sponsored Night Sky Viewing Details & Registration
This evening program will highlight the unique viewing opportunities at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Explore the special sights appearing in the night sky this month, take part in solar system walks, and enjoy dark sky education. The program is proudly sponsored by the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA). This public viewing event is free of charge to the public, but registration is required to secure your spot under the stars. Rain date is Friday, December 18. GFCA looks forward to welcoming you for an evening of sky exploration and community.
Sat, December 5 5:30 PM DGS - Space Science Explorer Details & Registration
This program meets all the requirements to earn the badge.
Tue, December 8 7:30 PM Telescope Observing for Beginners - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
This course covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources. Class will provide hands-on observation with telescopes weather permitting. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and receive assistance. FCPA, its staff, and volunteers are not responsible for personal equipment. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Thu, December 10 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration
Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies in the night sky at Turner Farm Observatory Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Sat, December 12 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing.
Mon, December 14 7:30 PM Find Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
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 classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
Thu, December 17 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration
This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the program.
Sat, December 19 6:30 PM BGS - Space Science Adventurer Details & Registration
Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.
Mon, December 21 7:30 PM Rainbows, Halos and Glories - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
Learn about common and some uncommon phenomena you can see in the day or night skies such as rainbows, haloes and glories. We will also explore sunrise and sunset phenomena like the green flash, the purple light, and simple questions like why the sky is blue and sunsets are orange. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top observatory classroom at Turner Farm Park. It is recommended parents accompany younger children. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
January 2027
Sat, January 2 6:00 PM JGS - Space Science Investigator Details & Registration
Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.
Tue, January 5 7:30 PM Introduction to Telescopes - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
For those who are new to using a telescope or contemplating purchasing one, this course goes into introductory basics of astronomy, observing the sky and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Class 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. FCPA, its staff, and volunteers are not responsible for personal equipment.
Thu, January 7 6:30 PM Exploring Exoplanets - Unveiling New Worlds Details & Registration
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. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Sat, January 9 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Space Exploration Merit Badge Details & Registration
This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor. Homework and details on what to bring can be found online.
Sat, January 9 6:00 PM Dark Sky Patch – Daisy and Brownie Details & Registration
This patch will help you understand the importance of dark skies and how you can protect this resource. You will learn about light pollution, see the effect of light pollution yourself, learn how you can make changes to reduce light pollution, and share what you have learned with others. This program was made possible by support from the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Patch included.
Mon, January 11 7:30 PM Astronomy - Listening to the Universe - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
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. 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 class will be held in the roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
Thu, January 14 6:30 PM Introduction to Astronomy Details & Registration
This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of planets and stars, and interesting phenomena in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner.
Sat, January 16 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing.
Mon, January 18 7:00 PM Looking at the Moon - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
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. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Thu, January 21 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration
Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies in the night sky at Turner Farm Observatory Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Mon, January 25 7:30 PM Introduction to Telescopes - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
For those who are new to using a telescope or contemplating purchasing one, this course goes into introductory basics of astronomy, observing the sky and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Class 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. FCPA, its staff, and volunteers are not responsible for personal equipment.
Thu, January 28 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Astronomy Merit Badge Details & Registration
This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor. Homework and details on what to bring can be found online.
Sat, January 30 6:00 PM DGS - Space Science Explorer Details & Registration
This program meets all the requirements to earn the badge.
February 2027
Mon, February 1 7:30 PM Exploring Mysterious Moons of our Solar System - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
Take a tour of some of the most exciting moons orbiting the planets in our Solar System. From massive oceans under miles of ice to lakes on Titan to volcanoes, there’s a lot to explore. The program will discuss the missions searching for signs of life on these oceans worlds. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
Thu, February 4 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration
This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the program.
Sat, February 6 6:30 PM BGS - Space Science Adventurer Details & Registration
Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.
Mon, February 8 7:30 PM Nebulas, Star Clusters & Galaxies Oh My! - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
We are familiar with the stars and planets that we can see when the Sun sets. However, the night sky contains many wonders that are visible with binoculars or modest telescopes. This fun and interactive presentation is designed as an introduction to the most common of these astronomical “deep sky” objects. After the class, look through the telescopes in the observatory, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
Thu, February 11 6:30 PM Exploring the Inner Planets Details & Registration
The inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, plus Earth’s Moon, all have mostly rocky compositions compared to the outer gas giant planets. Of the inner planets, likely only Earth has the conditions to support life. Examining handheld globes of the planets, we will explore their similarities and differences and find out why life is unique to Earth. The program includes observing of planets and the night sky in telescopes, weather permitting. The program is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Sat, February 13 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing.
Mon, February 15 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Astronomy Merit Badge Details & Registration
This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor. Homework and details on what to bring can be found online.
Tue, February 16 7:30 PM Exploring the Moon - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
The Moon is as old as the Earth, and its surface is marked by craters, mountains and lava flows billions of years old. Find out how these lunar features formed and observe them in high-powered telescopes. Learn about the Apollo program discoveries and future Moon missions. The program is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available.
Thu, February 18 6:30 PM Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory Details & Registration
Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas and galaxies in the night sky at Turner Farm Observatory Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Sat, February 20 6:00 PM JGS - Space Science Investigator Details & Registration
Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.
Mon, February 22 7:30 PM Our Continuing Exploration of Planet Mars - Taught by AS Members Details & Registration
Mars has had a long and fascinating history as revealed by spacecraft orbiting the planet and rovers traveling on its surface. We will review the discoveries made by past and current missions and what they say about the possibility of life on Mars. The discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
Thu, February 25 6:30 PM Planet Adventure Night Details & Registration
This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the program.
Sat, February 27 6:00 PM Dark Sky Patch – Daisy and Brownie Details & Registration
This patch will help you understand the importance of dark skies and how you can protect this resource. You will learn about light pollution, see the effect of light pollution yourself, learn how you can make changes to reduce light pollution, and share what you have learned with others. This program was made possible by support from the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Patch included.
March 2027
Sat, March 13 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Astronomy Festival Details & Registration
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing.