According to the Northern Virginia Astronomy ClubÕs (NOVAC) Web site, the conventional wisdom about purchasing a telescope includes buying one that is easy to move, isnÕt from a department store and making sure what a beginner astronomer really needs isnÕt just a good pair of binoculars.
Local astronomers from the NOVAC will be on hand at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, Saturday, April 7, for a Family Day event. "Telescopes, Telescopes, TelescopesÓ will run throughout the Air and Space Museum, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be opportunities to try solar observation and to speak with center staff members and astronomers from the NOVAC about choosing and maintaining telescopes and other equipment.
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is open until 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, while parking is $12.
NOVAC is an organization dedicated to educating the public about amateur astronomy. Visit www.novac.com for more information, including pages on buying a telescope and how to make one at home. There is also information regarding the annual Delmarva Stargazers event at Tuckahoe State Park near Queen Anne, Md., from Friday, April 13 through Tuesday, April 17.