WASHINGTON – Are you into astronomy and space stuff? If so, you live in the right place here in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), except for our weather, which can hide the sky for days at a time. We space and astro geeks have a true treasure trove of observatories, museums, planetariums, NASA facilities, star party locations and astronomy clubs to enjoy.
Here is my list of DMV Space Stuff. I have included links for you to get further details, and I recommend adding them to your favorites or bookmarks for reference, as things can change over time. I have tried to compile a complete listing, but if you know of other venues, please let me know so I can update the list.
NASA Facilities
- National Air and Space Public Observatory, Washington, D.C.
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
- Space Telescope Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. – Operated by Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) for NASA
- NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.
Observatories
- National Air and Space Public Observatory, Washington, D.C.
- George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.
- University of Maryland, College Park, Md.
- U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. (VERY LIMITED OPENINGS and Stringent security requirements)
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
- Analemma Society, Great Falls, Va.
- UMBC Telescope, UMBC Catonsville, Md.
- Maryland Space Grant Observatory, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
- CCBC Dundalk Campus Observatory, Dundalk, Md
Planetariums
- Rock Creek Park Planetarium, Washington, D.C
- Frostburg State University Planetarium, Frostburg, Md.
- Bear Branch Planetarium, Westminster, Md.
- Montgomery College Planetarium, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Md.
- Watson- King Planetarium, Towson University, Md.
- National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
- Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Va.
- Arlington County Public Schools, Arlington, Va.
- Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Md.
- William M. Brish Planetarium, Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown, Md.
Museums
- National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
- Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum, Dulles-Chantilly, Va.
- National Museum of Natural History (Moon Rocks and Meteorites), Washington, D.C.
- Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Md.
Star Party Locations
See Observatory, Astronomy Club and National Air and Space listings for details.
Astronomy Clubs
D.C.
- National Capital Astronomers, Washington, D.C.
MARYLAND
- Westminster Astronomical Society, Westminster
- Tri-State Astronomers, Hagerstown
- Howard Astronomical League of Central Maryland, Columbia
- Harford County Astronomical Society, Bel Air
- Goddard Astronomy Club, Greenbelt
- Cumberland Astronomy Club, Frostburg
- Astronomical Society of Greenbelt, Greenbelt
VIRGINIA
- Star City Astronomy Network, Roanoke
- Southampton Astronomers, Franklin
- Shenandoah Valley Stargazers, Harrisonburg
- Shenandoah Astronomical Society, Winchester
- Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society, Roanoke
- Richmond Astronomical Society, Richmond
- Rappahannock Astronomy Club, Spotsylvania
- Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, Fairfax
- Echo Ridge Astronomical Society, Elk Creek
- Charlottesville Astronomical Society, Charlottesville
- Blue Ridge Skywatch Astrophotography Society, Salem
- Blue Ridge Astronomy Club, Forest
- Back Bay Amateur Astronomers, Virginia Beach
I hope you will take advantage of all of these opportunities to learn about our Universe and space program. Families can truly enjoy the free or low cost admission prices and hey, these aren’t bad to use as a date or time with a special someone.
Follow my daily blog to keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me at skyguyinva@gmail.com.
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