Updated December 2, 2022. It’s time to start preparing for the next big event in the sky. On December 13 & 14, stargazers have the opportunity to catch the winter Geminids meteor shower, during the morning twilight hours. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the annual shower could produce 120 to 160 meteors per hour. For both amateur and seasoned astronomers, there are plenty of ways to get lost looking into space in DC, like the National Air and Space Museum. But get out of the city and under the night sky, and you might just find Northern Virginia is the best spot to catch a peek of the last big celestial event of 2022. Plus, many stargazing spots in NoVA host regular classes and programs for both fledgling hobbyists and anyone curious about the sky above, so you can develop a hobby that’ll last you all year long.
Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake Park’s open fields lend themselves well to stargazing. Plus, you can learn more about constellations and try out provided telescopes when the park hosts stargazing events. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station
C.M. Crockett Park
C.M. Crockett Park’s 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. 10066 Rogues Rd., Midland
David M. Brown Planetarium
Reopening to the public in November 2022, be prepared for when the staff of the David M. Brown Planetarium goes outside into the night to host its Stars Tonight program. Regular attendees can track changes in the solar system. 1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington
GMU Observatory
While George Mason University’s observatory is typically reserved for students, it frequently hosts its Evening Under the Stars program, where any old schmuck can look through the school’s primary telescope. George Mason University College of Science: 10401 York River Rd., Fairfax
Observatory Park at Turner Farm
Out in Great Falls, you can see the stars from one of the region’s darkest locations, and even better, Turner Farm has a roll-top observatory that offers programs and equipment for optimal viewing. The Analemma Society helms educational programming at the park. Participants who stop by might just be able to see Venus, the Andromeda galaxy, or the Orion nebula. 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows offers a dedicated observing field, perfect for taking advantage of its Dark Sky status, near the Bleak Hill House for Northern Virginia Astronomy Club members as well as nonmembers, and the park regularly partners with the National Air and Space Museum for events. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane
For more ways to see the stars, subscribe to our Parks & Rec newsletter.
