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Space Science for Teachers
Friends of the McCormick Observatory
Click here for membership information and application
Education and public outreach
The Leander McCormick Observatory has been offering education and public outreach programs to Virginians since its dedication in 1885. Visitors have twice viewed Halley’s Comet at the public night program (in 1910 and 1985–86). On October 31, 1938, the night after Orson Welles’ infamous dramatization of War of the Worlds, seventy-five students and residents of Central Virginia observed Mars through the 26-inch telescope to allay their fears of a Martian invasion. Currently over 4000 visitors, including over 2000 local school children, will attend education and public outreach programs at McCormick Observatory in a single year.
Visitation and Public Nights
In addition to conducting research in many areas of astronomy and astrophysics, the Department of Astronomy is committed to educating students, their teachers, and the general public about astronomy, space science, and the history of science. The Observatory hosts evening and daytime visits by local school children and educational groups, conducts teacher professional development workshops, offers introductory astronomy classes to the community, and opens the Observatory to the general public on the first and third Friday of every month.
Friends of the McCormick Observatory
By joining the Friends of McCormick Observatory, a non-profit membership organization established to promote and support the education and public outreach activities in the Department of Astronomy, you will:- Lend your voice in support of the exceptional educational programs developed by the Observatory
- Help the Observatory to expand its educational and outreach programs
- Help the Observatory remain available to all residents and visitors for years to come
- Receive special benefits and recognition
Click here for membership information and application
Membership Levels
Basic Individual
- Complimentary invitations to McCormick Observatory members-only public nights
- Complimentary invitations to members-only lectures, receptions, and exhibit previews
- Guaranteed admission to the April and October Fan Mountain public nights
- Monthly e-mail newsletter
Dual/Family
- Basic membership for two adults, and children under age 18
Stone Fellow
- Same benefits as dual/family membership plus:
- Invitation to special members evening at Fan Mountain Observatory
- Priority registration for astronomy classes through the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Mitchell Contributor
- All of the above benefits plus:
- Complimentary Fellow membership to give as a gift
- Rental privilege for hosting a private event at the Observatory at no charge (charges for security and catering apply and are not discounted through the Observatory)
Alden Benfactor
- All of the above benefits plus:
- Getting started in astronomy kit and astronomical calendars
- Recognition in the Observatory’s newsletter and annual report
Fredrick Associate
- All of the above benefits plus:
- One scheduled private viewing session at the historic McCormick Observatory
McCormick Trustee
- All of the above benefits plus:
- Recognition on a plaque at McCormick Observatory
- One evening observing session with a UVa Astronomer at Fan Mountain Observatory
- Membership in the Rotunda Society of UVa
