The Washington Area Astronomy Meetup connects people interested in astronomy by fostering informal gatherings at local star parties, public observatory nights, astronomy lectures and other astronomy-related programs. No experience in astronomy is required and you don't need to own a telescope to participate.

The free evening "star party" meetups posted here are hosted by local astronomy clubs and organizations that welcome public participation. These groups offer fun, safe ways to explore the night sky in the company of more experienced amateur and professional astronomers. Currently, we do not host our own events, but some of us belong to the host groups and you'll occasionally see us under the stars with our telescopes. We post selected events in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Central Maryland, allowing members to choose the Meetup that is most convenient or that best fits their stargazing preferences (metro-accessible urban observatory vs. semi-rural, dark sky "star parties", etc.). 

Our aim is to help you rekindle your connection with the night sky while having fun and meeting others with similar interests. We welcome your active participation and look forward to receiving your suggestions for new astronomy meetups. See you under the stars!

 

 

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Welcome Stargazers!

Join and suggest a new Meetup
  • Meetup
    Featured Meetup
    Branded 72 Pit Barbecue
    387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD (map)
    Discussion led by: Lou Mayo, Planetary Scientist for Honeywell at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Professor of Astronomy at Marymount Univ. This talk will examine the potential for life to exist outside the Earth and discuss the current research findings and mission results. Of all the bodies of the solar system,... Learn more
    • Nancy
      Nancy:

      Do we need to register anywhere for this meetup or is RSVPing on the meetup site enough? Thanks!

      Posted February 7 at 10:58 AM
    • Ramon
      Ramon:

      No registration required. I suggest you arrive early, as the restaurant space tends to fill up for the more popular talks such as this one.

      Posted February 7 at 2:19 PM

Recent Meetups

  • January 25 at 6:00 PM, 3 Stargazers attended

    New Telescope Owner Nights

    They rated it 5.00 5.001 (1 ratings)

    This meetup requires registration via email mentioned below. Responding through the meetup site will NOT get you registered! Did you get a telescope for Christmas?... Learn more

  • January 20 at 7:45 PM, 6 Stargazers attended

    UM Observatory Open House
    This is the University of Maryland Observatory's twice-a-month public open house. There will be a half hour astronomy talk followed by public viewing through the... Learn more

  • January 5 at 7:45 PM, 2 Stargazers attended

    UM Observatory Open House
    This is the University of Maryland Observatory's twice-a-month public open house. There will be a half hour astronomy talk followed by public viewing through the... Learn more

  • December 17, 2011 at 6:45 PM, 4 Stargazers attended

    Air & Space Public Observatory Nighttime Stargazing
    "The National Air and Space Museum's Public Observatory will be open for special nighttime stargazing. Do not miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects... Learn more

  • December 3, 2011 at 6:45 PM, 2 Stargazers attended

    Air & Space Public Observatory Special Nighttime Observing
    "The National Air and Space Museum's Public Observatory will be open for special nighttime stargazing. Do not miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects... Learn more
See all past Meetups

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Washington Area Astronomy Meetup http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/5/5/6/global_76565462.jpeg
Washington, DC 20007
Founded Jun 19, 2008
20080619
Organizers:
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