Astronomy Merit Badge
This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.
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2FE.P1OL |
Turner Farm Park |
03/23/2024 - 03/23/2024
Sat : 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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11 to 17 Years |
15
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01/30/2024 to 03/23/2024 |
Basics of Birding
(10-Adult) Watching birds is a great way to connect with the natural world around us. Tour the park on foot developing your birding skills with the help of a printed guide and learn about other birding resources in the classroom. Binoculars recommended; a few pairs will be available for use. Children ages 10-16 must be accompanied by registered adult. The class will meet at the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.
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FTN.IIE5 |
Turner Farm Park |
05/18/2024 - 05/18/2024
Sat : 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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10 to 99 Years |
18
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01/30/2024 to 05/17/2024 |
Fairfax Poet Laureate - Poetry Beneath the Stars
(8-Adult) Write a poem while gazing at the night sky to see if you can find a shooting star. During this program you will be asked to dig deep and contemplate the cosmos through poetic form. Examples of star-gazing poetry and writing prompts will be provided. This event will include telescope viewing in the Roll Top Observatory, weather permitting. Hosted by ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax Poet Laureate as part of the “Poetry in the Parks” series.
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0AH.MUX4 |
Turner Farm Park |
05/04/2024 - 05/04/2024
Sat : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
16
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01/30/2024 to 05/04/2024 |
Find Your Way in the Night Sky- Intro to Star Maps
(8-Adult) This presentation will cover an introduction to sky coordinates, how astronomical objects are represented on maps of the sky, and how to read star maps to find your way among the stars in the sky. The talk will be illustrated by a variety of star atlases. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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837.W299 |
Turner Farm Park |
04/17/2024 - 04/17/2024
Wed : 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
9
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01/30/2024 to 04/17/2024 |
Great American April 2024 Solar Eclipse Preview
(8-Adult) Get ready for the Great North American Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. This program will discuss solar eclipses, the path and phenomena of solar eclipses, and how to safely view them. The program will discuss the April 2024 eclipse and the options on where to observe the event. The class is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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XNR.TE35 |
Turner Farm Park |
03/25/2024 - 03/25/2024
Mon : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
None
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01/30/2024 to 03/25/2024 |
Intro to Telescopes
(8-Adult) For those who are new to using a telescope or contemplating purchasing one, this course goes into introductory basics of astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Class will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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58B.B42Z |
Turner Farm Park |
04/02/2024 - 04/02/2024
Tue : 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
None
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01/30/2024 to 04/02/2024 |
Introduction to Astronomy
(8-Adult) This course provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of the planets and stars, and interesting phenomena in the night sky. A classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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C83.W4JC |
Turner Farm Park |
05/20/2024 - 05/20/2024
Mon : 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
18
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01/30/2024 to 05/20/2024 |
Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory
(8-Adult) Take a tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky at the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park using telescopes or just your eyes. In case of inclement weather, we will discuss and show images of objects that could be observed in clear skies. No knowledge of astronomy is needed. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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S84.MQ92 |
Turner Farm Park |
03/27/2024 - 03/27/2024
Wed : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
None
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01/30/2024 to 03/27/2024 |
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S84.CB8D |
Turner Farm Park |
04/15/2024 - 04/15/2024
Mon : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
13
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01/30/2024 to 04/15/2024 |
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S84.JPTE |
Turner Farm Park |
05/13/2024 - 05/13/2024
Mon : 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
18
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01/30/2024 to 05/13/2024 |
Pluto - Planet or Something Else? (8-Adult)
(8-Adult) This presentation will cover what we know about Pluto, the 2006 decision to designate Pluto as a "dwarf planet" and explain why that decision is still controversial. The discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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EZ6.V1B3 |
Turner Farm Park |
03/20/2024 - 03/20/2024
Wed : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
11
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01/30/2024 to 03/20/2024 |
Safe Solar Viewing - Exploring the Sun Responsibly
(8-Adult) Discover the scientific insights of our nearest star, the Sun, while learning how to observe it safely. Our "Safe Solar Viewing" course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to view the Sun without risking eye damage. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a curious science enthusiast, or simply want to understand our solar system better, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of solar phenomena and the tools and techniques to observe them securely.
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N6S.DL2G |
Turner Farm Park |
04/04/2024 - 04/04/2024
Thu : 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
17
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01/30/2024 to 04/04/2024 |
Safely See the Partial Eclipse
(5-Adult) Come out to your local park and learn about the science behind eclipses what causes them and why they are so locally rare. We will teach you the many ways to safely view the eclipse while it is happening so you can try them out. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Program attendees receive a free pair of solar viewing shades.
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VLL.7V4V |
Turner Farm Park |
Mon, 04/08/2024 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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5 to 99 Years |
116
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01/30/2024 to 04/08/2024 |
Summer in Space: Little Astronauts (4-6 yrs.)
(4-6 yrs.) Spend a whole week of your summer in space. Travel from Earth to the moon, Mars and beyond! Enjoy fun hands-on activities such as rocket making, safe sun spotting, telescope viewing and more. Bring snack and lunch. Camps the week of June 10 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.
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949.TWVQ |
Turner Farm Park |
06/10/2024 - 06/14/2024
Weekdays : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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4 to 6 Years |
None
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01/23/2024 to 06/14/2024 |
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949.TE24 |
Turner Farm Park |
07/08/2024 - 07/12/2024
Weekdays : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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4 to 6 Years |
None
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01/23/2024 to 07/12/2024 |
Telescope Observing for Beginners
(8-Adult) This course covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources. Class will provide hands-on observation with telescopes weather permitting. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and receive assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken independently. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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12U.PK42 |
Turner Farm Park |
04/24/2024 - 04/24/2024
Wed : 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
9
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01/30/2024 to 04/24/2024 |
The Sun - Our Neighborhood Star
(5-Adult) Learn what causes the Sun to shine, the Sun's life cycle, and how the Sun compares to other stars. Discuss features on the Sun and how to view the Sun safely. A classroom discussion is accompanied by an observing session of the Sun with solar telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.
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XMI.8N5Z |
Turner Farm Park |
05/04/2024 - 05/04/2024
Sat : 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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8 to 99 Years |
15
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01/30/2024 to 05/04/2024 |