Star parties are nighttime group telescopic observing sessions, and they are a primary reason why astronomy enthusiasts join RAC. However, star parties are more than just a time for RAC members to view the night sky. They are also opportunities for the public to learn about astronomy, telescopes, and how to observe.

RAC conducts three types of star parties: 1) regularly scheduled open-to-the-public monthly star parties, 2) specially arranged public outreach events for schools, parks and civic groups, and 3) astronomy merit badge teaching clinics for scout groups. The monthly star party is held one Saturday night out of every lunar cycle -- i.e. about once per month. A backup date is scheduled for the following weekend in case of bad weather. Generally, these parties are scheduled near the new moon to ensure the darkest skies possible.

Outreach events must be arranged in advance through RAC's President, Michael Masters. Scouting events should be arranged through RAC Scouting Coordinator Glenn Holliday. Non-observing school lectures should be arranged via School Programs Coordinator David Abbou. See our Outreach and Scouting pages for details.

Other Interesting Pages

Extreme UV (171 Angst) Solar & Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)

• Need help picking out a telescope? Check out our Resource Guide for Telescope Buyers. Or, if you are a beginner buying for the first time, take a look at Your First Telescope -- A Grab-And-Go?
• Looking for something to observe? Visit Observing the Night Sky to view resources for planning your observing session.
• There are a few rules of the road that help make star parties safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Check them out at our Star Party Etiquette page!

All regularly scheduled RAC star parties are open to the public -- including scout groups and civic organizations. The table below provides a summary of this year's dates. Bolded dates are primary star parties and non-bold text represents backup dates. Click on the link to download a more detailed printable PDF chart of dates, locations and sky features. (Please note you need Adobe Reader to view the dates. A free copy may be downloaded here.) Locations and directions are provided at the bottom of this page.

9 Jan Caledon

6 Feb Caledon

13 Mar † Caledon

10 Apr‡ Caledon

8 May Caledon

5 June Caledon

19 June Westmd

10 July Caledon

7 Aug* Caledon

4 Sept Caledon

2 Oct Caledon

5 Nov** Caledon

3 Dec** Caledon

16 Jan Caledon

13 Feb Caledon

20 Mar Caledon

17 Apr Caledon

15 May Caledon

12 June Big Mdw

17 July Westmd

14 Aug Caledon

11 Sep Big Mdw

9 Oct Caledon

13 Nov Caldedon

11 Dec Caledon

† Messier Marathon

‡ Messier Marathon backup

*Club picnic

**Friday night star party

Observing begins as soon as it is dark enough to see stars and planets, generally half an hour to an hour after sunset. Visitors arriving at or after dusk should enter the telescope field using only parking lights since bright lights reverse visual night adaptation of those already observing. People bringing telescopes should arrive before sunset to allow time for equipment setup without the need for bright lights. If you need help with your new telescope allow extra time by arriving early -- club members will be busy setting up their own scopes and will need the extra time in order to help newcomers.

For more on what to expect when attending a star party, check out our Star Party Etiquette page.

Star parties require clear skies and are dependent on the weather. If the forecast is for cloudy skies the event will be cancelled, no exceptions. We try to make a determination as early as possible on the day of the event, usually by midday. We make a decision based on the forecast -- and if by chance the clouds do disappear in the evening the event remains cancelled nonetheless. An up-to-date announcement will be posted in the upper right corner of the RAC home page. Those who are uncertain of conditions may call observing coordinator Michael Masters at 540-371-3410 on the afternoon of a planned star party for the latest information.

Once each year RAC holds a special all-night star party called a Messier Marathon, see next section below. RAC club star parties are held at a number of places. Directions to these and other sites are given in the Locations section. The most prominent of these are Caledon Natural Area in King George, Westmoreland State Park in Westmoreland County, and the Big Meadows area in Shenandoah National Park.

Each Spring RAC hosts an all-night Messier Marathon for our members at Caledon Natural Area. A Messier Marathon is a one-night star party designed to observe most, if not all of the objects in Charles Messier's famous catalog of deep sky objects. Messier was a renowned French astronomer, comet sleuth and member of the French Academy of Sciences in the late 1700s. During his career he compiled a list of 110 deep sky objects visible in small telescopes, cataloging them so that in future sweeps he would not mistake them for comets.

Messier worked with early, primitive equipment. Today, most amateurs have access to telescopes equal to or better than Messier's. Thus, Messier objects are relatively easy to observe and make great targets for beginners and experienced observers alike.

In late March and early April most Messier objects are visible at our latitude during a single night, making those months an ideal time to conduct a Marathon. The date is posted in our downloadable Star Party Schedule, and a month prior to the event notification is posted in the RAC News section near the top of the RAC home page. A Messier Marathon data sheet, useful for recording one's progress through the Messier catalog, is posted in the the Observer Data Sheets Section of the Documents page. Or, you can download a 27-page set of Messier Marathon Charts from the Astronomy Club of Tulsa. As with all star parties, cloudy skies will cancel the event.

Clear Sky Clock King George Observatory

Caledon Natural Area is located on Rt. 218, King George, VA. Map. Park Brochure & Map.

• Street address is 11617 Caledon Road King George, VA. A GPS that knows addresses will take you to the gate.
• Information phone number is 540-663-3861.
• Located along the Potomac River northwest of the Hwy 301 bridge, near King George, Virginia.
• Take I-95 exit 130, Rt. 3 east thru Fredericksburg, east on Rt. 218 for about 20 miles, Area on left.
• Or to keep on bigger roads, take Rt. 3 east, left on Rt. 206 at King George High School, left on Rt. 218 to Area.
• From Maryland, take 301 south, cross the Potomac, right on Rt. 206, then right on Rt. 218 to Area.

Clear Sky Clock Big Meadows Skyline Drive

Shenandoah National Park Big Meadows Webcam

Skyline Drive is located in Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Two sites are used, Big Meadows at mile marker 51 and the Milam Gap parking area, about 1.5 miles south of Big Meadows. For small gatherings, Milam Gap is preferred due to easy access and sheltering from the wind. Lodging, restuarants and a campground are available. Maps.

Borders Books and Music near Fredericksburg is located in Central Park, where Route 3 crosses I-95 west of Fredericksburg. Turn in at the main entrance, Carl D. Silver Parkway. Turn left at Commerce Street to park. Borders is 1220 Carl D. Silver Parkway.

Motts Run Reservoir is operated by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation and is located west of town on River Road.

• Information phone number is 540-372-1086.
• Directions: Route 3 west from Fredericksburg. Approx. 1 mile west of I-95, turn RIGHT onto Bragg Road (at Giant food store).

  National Weather Service Fredericksburg Forecast

  Continue 1 mile. Turn LEFT onto River Road. Park is 2.4 miles on LEFT. (You will wind along the Rappahannock River, past Clore Bros. Canoe Outfitters, then up steep hill. Park is another ½ mi. past crest of hill.) Follow gravel road into park.

Old Mill Park is also operated by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation, and it is located along the Rappahannock River on the edge of historic Old Town at 2216 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA.

• Information phone number is 540-372-1086.
• Take Sophia Street north from William Street. Sophia ends in a left turn at Pitt Street. Follow Pitt one block west, then turn right on Caroline Street. Follow Caroline 3 blocks, then watch for the park entrance on the right.

Westmoreland State Park is located in Westmoreland County. Map. Park Brochure & Map.

• Street address is 1650 State Park Road, Montross, Va. 22520-9717. A GPS that knows addresses will take you right to the gate.
• Information phone number is 804-493-8821.
• Located along the Potomac River six miles northwest of Montross just off Route 3 East.
• From Fredericksburg (I-95), take Rt. 3 east, go about 40 miles to the park's entrance, turning left onto Rt. 347.
• From Tappahannock, take U.S. 360 East to Warsaw. Turn left onto Rt. 3 west at the third stop light. Stay on this road until about six miles past Montross. Turn right into the park's entrance on Rt. 347..
• From Richmond, take U.S. 360 East, then follow Tappahannock directions.
• From Tidewater, take 17 north to Tappahannock. At the second light, past Lowrey's Restaurant, turn right onto 360 east, then follow Tappahannock directions.