Queer Stargazing and Astronomy Talk - Virginia
November 14, 2023 — 7:30 pm -10:00pm ET
Rain date: November 16, 2023
Last day to register: Nov 11, 2023
The nighttime sky is spellbinding. Are you interested in learning more about the stars, galaxies and other cosmic objects populating our night sky? Or perhaps you've caught yourself stargazing wishing you had a high-powered telescope and the know-how to use it? Join TVOP volunteer Elena (she/they) for an exciting evening under the stars learning about and observing the mysteries of our night sky. We'll start off listening to an astronomy talk from a NASA-affiliated scientist (45 min, appropriate for anyone 5+) followed by an hour-long guided telescope tour of the night sky.
Dress for the weather! We will be inside for the first 45 minutes and then we will be outside from 9-10pm. Per the George Mason University Observatory website: The observatory is mostly outdoors, so please wear clothing appropriate for being outdoors. This is especially important during the winter months. The observatory will be very dark during viewing. So we highly encourage our guests to wear closed-toed shoes during their visit. The observatory is not 100% accessible. If you have any accessibility needs, please get in touch with us at GMUObservatory@gmail.com before your visit so that we can tell you more details.
What is OptOutside, you ask? Every Black Friday (Nov 24), we #OptOutside with TVOP Partner REI and decide to spend time, not money. And we want everybody to be able to join us! In less than 60 seconds, you can help everyone living in America get closer to public parks and outdoor spaces. Support the Outdoors for All Act and then join us in the woods this holiday season!
Shenandoah Parking Deck is the closest parking to the event and it is pay-by-the-hour ($9 for 2 hours, $12 for 3 hours); There are some free street parking options, but these will require about a 0.5 mile walk.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Fairfax area, VA
(Manahoac and Piscataway lands)
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask you to please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: Nov 14, 2023
Hike: 3.6 miles, 30 ft elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale (potential parking fees applicable - see the description above for more details)
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Water, appropriate clothing and footwear
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in a hike.
Last day to register is September 6th!
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Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
