Partnerships
We partner with a number of local organizations to foster outreach and promote the night sky. These include:
Belk Observatory
Located in the Claytor Nature Center, Belk Observatory is owned and operated by the University of Lynchburg. A number of our club members serve as docents at the observatory. The observatory hosts monthly Open Houses, where you can tour the observatory and observe the night sky through various instruments. They also host occasional daytime programs, with solar and lunar observing. There are no fees, but registration is required. For more information on public programming at the observatory, click here.
Libraries
The club has partnered with area libraries to provide basic telescopes that can be checked out just like a library book. The basic, entry-level scopes are a great way for adults and kids alike to try astronomical observing, without having to purchase expensive gear first. Participating libraries include Bedford (Central), , Forest, Lynchburg (Main), and Campbell County (AltaVista). They are popular items, and there's frequently a waiting list for them. Check with your local library to see about availability.
Randolph College
The club participates in the annual SciFest event hosted each spring by the college, and hosts star parties at the Winfree Observatory, located on the college campus. For more information about events at Randolph College, click here
James River State Park
James River State Park is an IDA-certified Dark Sky Park, with some of the darkest skies in Virginia east of the Blue Ridge. Our club, along with several others, host Dark Sky Observing events at the park throughout the year. The park also hosts a 2-night star party each November, with dozens of amateur astronomers and scopes from an a number of clubs participating. Info on astronomy-related events at the park can be found on the Upcoming Events page.