Skywatching Program at Observatory Park in Gaithersburg

Turn your eyes skyward and enjoy the amazing sites from Observatory Park, home to the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory.

Observatory Park will be dark, but please do not bring a bright flashlight; bring a red light as it will be less intrusive to other watchers. Red cellophane will be available to cover any white light flashlights. Also adjust the brightness of electronic devices. These events are free, but require registration.

Limited parking for those with accessibility tags is available onsite. Parking is also available at the field at the corner of DeSellum & Rt. 355 – 2 blocks from the park. Feel free to bring a blanket or folding chair for your comfort & snacks to enjoy during the events. Portable bathrooms will be available. There is no running water in the park. Alcohol is not permitted at events in City parks.

Events at Observatory Park could be cancelled or modified at the last moment if conditions, including inclement weather & cloud cover, are not conducive to Skywatching. Please check the Community Museum Facebook page for last minute announcements.

Additional Skywatch programs may be planned depending on weather, staffing, and public interest. Please contact the Gaithersburg Community Museum to express interest in additional Skywatch programming.

Schedule

Let’s Explore Space
April 30, 2022 • 7 – 9:30 PM
Join us for the first Skywatching program of 2022. There will be hands-on activities and telescope viewing. Mercury will be in our sights. We are making a unique playlist for our trip to space! Email or comment on Facebook what song you’d want to hear.

Telescope Fun
June 25, 2022 • 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Tonight’s program is all about telescopes. Learn how to use the museum’s dobsonian telescope or bring your own for telescope help. Members of the AAS Committee for Sexual-Orientation and Gender Minorities in Astronomy will join us to highlight contributions LGBTQIA+ scientists have made to STEM fields.

Movie & Meteors
July 30, 2022 • 9 PM – 1 AM
Join us for a showing of Apollo 13 and then we’ll lie under the stars and watch for meteors. BYO blanket or chair.

Space Telescopes, Galaxies & Nebula
August 27, 2022 • 7 – 9:30 PM
Explore the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. captures. NASA Solar System Ambassador and astronomer, Dr. Caitlin Ahrens, will discuss the cosmic structures space telescopes have revealed to us. We’ll have hands-on activities and telescope viewing. We are partnering with the Rockville Science Center for a full evening of astronomy fun. This is a NASA Webb First Look Community Event.

International Observe the Moon Night
October 1, 2022 • 6 – 8:30 PM
Explore the moon with hands-on activities and learn about the Artemis Mission to the Moon in 2024.