Best stargazing spots in Northern Virginia

Despite a dense population and seemingly denser traffic, Northern Virginia has its fair share of prime stargazing spots, many of which host regular educational classes and programs. Photo courtesy of Allexxandarx/Adobe Stock

For both amateur and seasoned astronomers, there are plenty of ways to get lost looking into space in D.C., like the National Air and Space Museumand farther out at Shenandoah National Park and Richmonds Virginia Living Museum. But despite a dense population and seemingly denser traffic, Northern Virginia also has its fair share of prime stargazing spots, many of which host regular classes and programs to grow a fledgling hobby and learn more about the sky above.

Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake Parks open fields lend themselves well to stargazing, and on Jan. 21, the parks resident astronomical naturalist will lead acampfirewith a discussionabout stargazing. There, you can learn more about constellations and try outprovided telescopes. //7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station

C.M. Crockett Park

C.M. Crockett Parks expansive open field is an ideal location to spot constellations, planets, star clusters and galaxies. The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club holds monthly public viewings, and club members and nonmembers of all experience levels are welcome. The next viewing will take place Jan. 28. // 10066 Rogues Road, Midland

David M. Brown Planetarium

Located at the Arlington Schools Education Center, the David M. Brown Planetarium hosts itsStars Tonightprogram on the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Regular attendeescan track changes in the solar system. //1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington

GMU Observatory

While George Mason Universitys observatory is typically reserved for students, it frequently hosts its Evening Under the Stars program, where participants can look through the schools primary telescope. //George Mason University College of Science: 10401 York River Road, Fairfax

Meadowkirk at Delta Farm

Meadowkirks Brinton Observatory, also partnered with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, is an ideal spot check out the night sky, featuring a number of telescopes and regular astronomy programs. There are programs geared toward both children and more experienced stargazers that explore the moon and planets, the greater solar system and constellations and deep space. //38012 Delta Farm Lane, Middleburg

Observatory Park at Turner Farm

Out in Great Falls, you can see the stars from one of the regions darkest locations, and even better, Turner Farmrecently opened a new roll-top observatory that offers programs and equipment for optimal viewing. The Analemma Society helms educational programming at the park, including weekly Fridayobserving sessionsfrom 7:30-9:30 p.m. Participants who stop by this month might just be able to seeVenus, the Andromeda galaxy and the Orion nebula. // 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls

Sky Meadows State Park

Sky Meadows offers a dedicated observing fieldnear the Bleak Hill House for Northern Virginia Astronomy Club members as well as nonmembers, and the parkregularly partners with the National Air and Space Museum for events. // 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane

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Best stargazing spots in Northern Virginia