Gaithersburg, MD

Home Main Menu

Immigrant Resources Federal Worker Resources eNewsletters Translate Employment Contact Us

How Do I ?

How Do I...

Learn More

Skywatching Programs

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

A panoramic banner for 'Skywatching at Observatory Park' set against a dark purple night sky with white constellations. To the right, two circular logos represent the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory and the Gaithersburg Community Museum with its historic steam engine icon.

Registration Required

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

Event Information

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. Adjust the brightness of electronic devices.

Feel free to bring a blanket or folding chair for your comfort and 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.

Parking Information

Weather Cancellations

Schedule

Saturday, June 20, 2026 • 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Telescope Fun

Bring your telescope for expert tips or explore the night sky through ours! Enjoy hands-on activities and stargazing.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 • 2 – 4 p.m.

Solar Science

Discover the science behind the Sun and Earth at the historic Latitude Observatory! Join experts from leading science and engineering organizations for hands-on activities and learn how science has shaped our nation.
250^th Theme: American Experiment

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Partial Solar Eclipse

Location: Gaithersburg Community Museum
Catch a partial solar eclipse where the Moon covers about 3% of the Sun! Stop by the Community Museum to view it safely through a solar telescope or eclipse glasses and enjoy hands-on solar science activities while you’re here.

Friday, August 14, 2026 • 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Movie & Meteors

Watch “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” then stay for the Perseids meteor shower—one of the summer’s most dazzling sky shows! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a magical night under the stars.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

International Observe the Moon Night

Join a global celebration of our closest neighbor in space! View the Moon through telescopes and enjoy hands-on activities for an evening that’s truly out of this world.

Friday, November 13, 2026 • 6 – 8 p.m.

Exploring the Night Sky

Spend an evening under the stars! View Saturn and other celestial wonders through telescopes and discover the beauty of the night sky.

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

The Gaithersburg Community Museum's programs are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). To discover more about MSAC grants & how they impact Maryland's arts sector, visit msac.org.