Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center

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 a view of the night sky. Experienced people will help you to observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon.

Note: we expect comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) to be visible in telescopes and binoculars after the sky is dark, about 7:15pm. 

Telescopes will be provided by Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event.

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.
• We recommend bringing layers of clothing and wearing comfortable shoes.
• In order to preserve our dark sky view, flashlights should be covered with red cellophane or brown paper.
• Parking is free during the event. Please park at the south end of the main parking lot, and consider dimming your headlights as you approach.
• Stargazing is located in the bus lot at the south end of the Museum's parking lot. Look for red lanterns to help guide you to the telescopes.
• Only approved telescope operators, and visitors needing accessible parking, should park in the bus lot. All others should park in the main lot.