Grow In and Share Your Love of the Night Sky
A community of amateur astronomers in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the greater metro D.C. area
The universe is big. Where do you get started?
You have a new telescope, but you can’t get it to do what you want it to do. You can’t find a safe place to see the comet that will only be here once in your lifetime. You want to explore more of the universe and the night sky, but the learning curve is just too steep.
We can help.
Master the Basics
Learn about the stars, planets, and constellations and how to observe them.
Borrow from the Library
Try out a variety of telescopes or binoculars and books before buying your own.
Get a Mentor
Get matched with a volunteer with your same telescope or area of interest.
Three steps for growing in and sharing your love of the night sky.
Step 1: Go to an outreach event or meeting.
All of our events and meetings are free and open to the public. All are welcome.
Step 2: Join NOVAC.
Access our loaner program, library, dark sites, and mentors. Connect with a community of backyard astronomers in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. metro region.
Step 3: Share in the awe and wonder of the night sky.
This love of the night sky has connected humankind for millennia, and it connects all of us at NOVAC.