Schedule

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.

We will be joined by the Coast and Geodetic Service, the Maryland Society of Surveyors, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Rockville Science Center, SciStarter, and Maryland STEM Fest.
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.

When the Stars Led the Way

Enjoy night‑sky views while learning how star navigation guided journeys to freedom and how the observatory mapped stellar motion. Part of a three‑program series with Button Farm and Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

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.