Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder what you're seeing? We're here to help! Come stargaze with us outside the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Join Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for an evening of stargazing. We provide the telescopes, you bring the curiosity! Experienced people will help you to observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon.

Details

  • Stargazing is free and open to the public. 
  • The event is weather permitting and may be cancelled due to rain, clouds, and other poor visibility. For last-minute updates, call the Astronomy Education number at 202-633-2517.
  • Bring warm clothes and a small flashlight. If possible, make your flashlight red by wrapping it in a brown paper bag or red cellophane.
  • Parking is free after 4:00 pm. Please park at the south end of the main parking lot, and consider dimming your headlights as you approach.
  • Stargazing is located at the south end of the Museum's parking lot. Look for staff with red flashlights to help guide you to the telescopes.
Directions instructing visitors to park in the main parking lot but walk to the bus parking lot where the event takes place.

Astronomy programming is made possible by a gift from the Thomas W. Haas Foundation in honor of Phoebe Waterman Haas.

Astronomy Moon (Earth) Telescopes Solar System
How to attend Bus Parking Lot

Directions

  • Approach the Museum from the exit off Route 28
  • Keep left after the parking entrance gate, and take the fifth driveway on the right to enter the south end of the main parking lot.
  • Once parked, cross the road that’s close to the Museum and take the walkway through the trees to the stargazing area.