Star Parties will take place at either Caledon Natural Area in King George or at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. Observing begins as soon as it is dark enough. Club members, please arrive early to allow time to set up without the need for bright lights. The public is invited to come out and enjoy the view through amateur telescopes.

Star Party and Outreach Program dates for 2009

Download Star Party and Outreach Dates

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Note: While a star party may not actually get "rained out", it may still be "clouded out". If conditions are cloudy on the evening of a star party, you can rest assured that it will be cancelled.

Outreach Programs

Introducing the public to astronomy is an important part of the club's purpose. We have a lot of experience presenting astronomy and assisting with observing events for schools, Scouts, and other community groups. Please contact us if you would like amateur astronomers from Rappahannock Astronomy Club to assist with your group's program.

• January 14 2009
• February 11 2009
• March 11 2009
• April 8 2008
• May 13 2008
• June 10 2009
• July 8 2009
• August 12 2009
• September 9 2009
• October 14 2009. Nominations for next year's officers.
• November 11 2009 at 6:30. Our election dinner meeting at Pizza Hut. 1224 Powhatan Street, just off Route 1, near University of Mary Washington. Note we start earlier than usual, since we're eating. We also elect officers for next year.
• December 9 2009

Caledon Natural Area is located on Rt. 218 in King George, Virginia.

• Street address is 11617 Caledon Road King George, VA. A GPS that knows addresses can take you right 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.

Big Meadows is located in Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Map.

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.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters is located at 1201 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA.

• Information phone number is 540-372-1144.
• Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.
• Caroline Street is one of the main streets in downtown Fredericksburg. It is the second street uphill from the Rappahannock River on the west side of the river. Caroline Street is one way northbound. From the downtown shopping district, follow Caroline north past William Street (Route 3) and Amelia Street. The library is in the block between Lewis and Fauquier Streets. A parking lot is in the rear, with parking entrances from Lewis Street and Sophia Street. The main door is on Caroline Street. We meet in the meeting room off the auditorium, which is an entrance to the left of the atrium entrance from Caroline Street. You can also enter the atrium from the parking lot.

Motts Run Reservoir

• 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). Continue 1 mile. Turn LEFT onto River Rd. 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 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.