Star Gaze 2025

Join NOVAC members who will be on hand to share views of the night sky.

Come at 6 pm Oct 18th to enjoy presentations that start at 6 pm. Stay after nightfall and participate in observations of planets plus star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and either deep sky objects. There will be a large variety of telescopes and other optics of varying sizes and configurations offering great views of celestial objects. Our members will be glad to share those views with you and answer any questions you may have!

Feel free to walk around and enjoy the views of objects through a variety of telescopes on the field. Please ask the owner before using a telescope. If you have young children, please watch them around the expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should also not be brought onto the observing field.

No astronomy experience or equipment is necessary to attend. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring your gear along and join us, even if it's just a pair of binoculars.

For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. Please dim your vehicles headlights when arriving and departing.

Crockett Park charges $10 per vehicle if you’re not a Fauquier County resident. However the event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the website). If you’re not a member you can join the club online and print your membership card in only a few minutes.

Note: This event is rain or shine but can be cancelled in the event of extreme weather. In case of rain or overcast skies the event will be limited to the astronomy presentations that begin at 6 pm in the tent.