Join Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for a view of the night sky through our telescopes. Stargazing will take place outside in the bus parking lot at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. 

Experienced people will help you to use different telescopes to observe a variety of things, including planets, stars, and the Moon.

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. 
Directions instructing visitors to park in the main parking lot but walk to the bus parking lot where the event takes place.
Astronomy Telescopes Solar System Moon (Earth)
Sponsored by
Thomas W. Haas Foundation
Otto Haas Charitable Trust
The Waterman Trust
Wyncote Foundation
 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, follow the red lanterns to cross the road and take the walkway past the trees to the stargazing area.