Stephanie Spear 
Most Friday nights, passers-by will see folks camped out with telescopes pointed toward the sky at Turner Farm, located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. The nocturnal gathering is organized by the Analemma Society, a nonprofit astronomy organization, in partnership with Fairfax County Park Authority. Guests are invited to chat with the amateur astronomers who run the event and learn more about the night sky. Read on for more about the Analemma Society, Turner Farm, and the Friday night viewing events.
About Turner Farm
In a story about space observation, it may seem odd to discuss a farm, but it adds important context to this special spot in Fairfax County. The US Army undertook Project Nike in the 1950s due to the Cold War. Project Nike was a national effort where missile defense systems were erected around major population areas. The sites were meant to be the last line of defense in the event of an attack.
From 1954 – 1962, a portion of land that had previously been a dairy farm belonging to the Turner family was used as a missile site, which was known as the the Great Falls Nike Missile Site. In the 1960s, ownership of the site was transferred to the US Army Map Service. At this time, one of the radar structures was converted into a domed observatory. In 1972 the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) took over the site. Some of the work performed at the site by the DMA became the basis for modern-day GPS systems.
In the mid-1990s, the DMA was shut down and the property was transferred to the Department of the Interior, which offered it to Fairfax County under the condition that the land be used for a park. The transfer occurred in 1999. Through a partnership between private citizens and the Fairfax County Park Authority, a Master Plan for the facility was approved in 2000. The park is 52 acres in size and has a playground, event space, a parking lot, and equestrian facilities in addition to the observatory buildings.
About Analemma
The Analemma Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about astronomy through community outreach and educational events. The word analemma means a plot or graph showing the location of the sun from a certain position throughout the year.
The organization was founded by the late Charles Olin, and his wife Jacqueline, residents of Great Falls. The Analemma Society was founded in 1998. During his time in the US Marines Corp, Charles was a Guided Missile Officer and was familiar with the Nike sites. He knew that the facilities could be used as a location for community education. He knew there was a one-of-a-kind experience that was offered by Turner Farm’s setup: the infrastructure of the former missile site combined with the low-light pollution setting on Springvale Road made for an ideal spot.
In the master plan, Charles Olin is quoted offering the following statement:
“The views through a telescope stimulate our imagination in a way nothing else can. Children who grow up being able to see these views will be indelibly enriched; this experience will live with them throughout their life. In this age of outer space travel, our future depends upon an appreciation and understanding of our celestial neighbors. This unique opportunity is available on this site.”
The Analemma Society has an agreement with the Fairfax County Parks Authority to use the site and offer astronomy and scientific programming to the community.
Stargazing with Analemma
Neighbors are invited to learn with the Analemma Society through its programs, classes, and casual Friday night viewings. The Orientation Room is a classroom-style space. The Observation Room has a retractable, roll-top roof and four permanent telescopes. The radar tower has been updated to fit modern telescopes.
Programs offered by the Analemma Society range from learning the basics of the solar system to extensive study of a single star or planet. The Friday night viewings are a casual way to spend time with amateur astronomers and learn about the night sky.
On a recent visit, the retractable roof of the Observation was open, with all four telescopes trained on different stars and planets. Volunteers roamed throughout the classroom and the open field around the buildings, available to answer questions or just talk about space. The viewings take place most Friday nights, depending on the weather. The Analemma Society updates its website and social media each week with updates, including what planets, stars, or other phenomena will be most visible.
The viewings are free and generally run from 8:30PM to 10:30PM. Volunteers set up their telescopes and equipment, and once it gets dark, visitors are invited to take a look. During a recent visit, TLG saw a ring nebula and a comet in addition to stars and planets.
All ages are welcome, and since the event is outdoors, it’s fun to bring a blanket to sit on while waiting for darkness to fall. Free, on-site parking is available for visitors.
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