a child looks into a telescope at aSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum stargazing event

Things to Do

Look Up! You’re Inviting to a Stargazing Party at Udvar-Hazy

The event is free and open to all ages.

By Priya Konings September 4, 2025 at 7:00 am

If you ever dreamt of getting up close and personal with the stars, this is your chance. The stars in the night sky, that is. The Northern VA Astronomy Club (NOVAC) is throwing a stargazing party at The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. And everyone’s invited.

This star-studded event takes place on Saturday, September 6, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s free and open to all ages. NOVAC volunteers and Smithsonian staff bring telescopes to share visitors. Personal telescopes are not permitted at the event.

The experienced NOVAC operators will show you how to use the telescopes. And they can tell you what exactly you are looking at and answer any space-related questions you may have. Guests can take a close look at the moon, stars, and maybe even a planet or two.

a child with a telescope at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum — *Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum*

The stargazing party will be held outside the Udvar-Hazy Center in the bus parking lot. Parking is free. Park at the south end of the main visitor lot and follow the signs and red lights to the observing site. When you drive up, organizers ask that you dim your headlights to ensure the best visibility for the stargazers. For lighting, bring a flashlight covered in red cellophane (the darker the better).

Organizer also recommend dressing in warm layers of clothing and wearing comfortable shoes. You can call Udvar-Hazy’s Astronomy Education number for event updates at 202-633-2517 if cloud cover or rain is predicted. The event may be cancelled due to poor visibility.

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Musuem Pkwy., Chantilly

Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

Priya Konings

Contributing Writer

Priya Konings is a food and travel writer and photographer residing in the Washington, DC area. Her passions include writing and photography, traveling the world, and eating delicious vegetarian fare both locally and globally. Her work has been published in Resy, Northern Virginia Magazine, Washington City Paper, The Dining Traveler, District Fray, and Brightest Young Things, in addition to other publications.