(8-Adult) While looking up at the night sky, the universe seems quiet and restful. But the universe is full of relentless and violent events. Join us to learn about pulsars, giant black holes and quasars. Our own galaxy will collide with the Magellanic Clouds and then with the Andromeda Galaxy. The discussion is followed by an observing 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.

(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.

(8-Adult) Explore planets orbiting distant stars and learn how scientists find them using cool techniques like watching stars flicker or wobble. Dive into what these planets are made of, whether they could host life and catch up on the latest discoveries. Perfect for anyone curious about space, this course promises an eye-opening adventure into the exploration of planets beyond our own. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(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.

(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.

(8-Adult) Our Moon gives us a great glimpse into the variety and extent of impact explosion cratering - the most common landscape form in our solar system. Learn how to recognize the three types of craters and understand both how they were formed and how they can change over time. Classroom discussion and hands on demonstration are followed by a lunar crater and night sky observation session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(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.

(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.

(8-Adult) This program covers basic information about the Earth's natural satellite, the Moon. Learn how to view and recognize features on the Moon's surface even with a small telescope. The class includes observing the Moon and other objects in the night sky with telescopes, weather permitting. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(8-Adult) This class is an introduction to meteorites as we explore what they are and where they come from. Participants will be able to examine actual meteorites including specimens from the Moon and Mars. A discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. The course will be held in the Roll-Top observatory classroom at Turner Farm Park. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(8-Adult) We are familiar with the stars and planets that we can see when the Sun sets. However, the night sky contains many wonders that are visible with binoculars or modest telescopes. This fun and interactive presentation is designed as an introduction to the most common of these astronomical “deep sky” objects. After the class, look through the telescopes in the observatory (weather permitting). The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(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.

(6-Adult) This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Children need to be accompanied by a registered adult. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(6-Adult) Learn about common and some uncommon phenomena you can see in the day or night skies such as rainbows, haloes and glories. We will also explore sunrise and sunset phenomena like the green flash, the purple light, and simple questions like why the sky is blue and sunsets are orange. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top observatory classroom at Turner Farm Park. It is recommend parents accompany younger children. Advance registration required, no walk-in registration available. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(8-Adult) Binoculars offer a fine introduction to the sights that lie in our night sky. Learn about different types of binoculars and how to use them to find planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and to visually stroll through the beautiful star fields of the Milky Way. Attendees are welcome to bring binoculars. Program includes an observing session to help you find objects visible in the night sky, weather permitting. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(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.

(8-Adult) Delve into the wonders of our closest star, learning about its layers, activities like sunspots and flares and their impact on Earth. Discover the secrets of safe solar observation using specialized equipment such as solar filters and viewing glasses, along with easy do-it-yourself methods. Following the course we will be doing a solar viewing. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park.

(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.

(8-Adult) Sundials are the world's oldest clocks, seen in alignments of Stonehenge and Newgrange. Ben Franklin had exploding sundials and Thomas Jefferson built a new type of sundial for that time. Learn about the many kinds of sundials and make your own paper sundial. The course will be held in the Roll-Top observatory classroom followed by telescope observing of the sun. Instruction for this program is provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society.

(8-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.