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Planetarium

The David M. Brown Planetarium has provided more than fifty years of service to Arlington students and the greater community.

white-blue-starsDuring the school year, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, the planetarium is open for Arlington Public School students.

Eclipse Safety and Information

An eclipse is a wonderful natural phenomenon to share with students and it is a rare moment we can add an actual eclipse into our instruction. Student safety is paramount when considering using the eclipse as a learning event. High quality solar eclipse glasses are necessary to view the eclipse and avoid eye damage. Sunglasses are not a substitute for solar eclipse glasses. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has produced free resources including Solar Eclipse Observing Guides specifically for school administrators, teachers, and families.  You can find them on NSTA’s Solar Eclipse Webpage at https://www.nsta.org/eclipse. Scroll down to find the guides.  The April 8th eclipse is a school day and will be happening between approximately 2-4:30PM.   If interested, the American Astronomical Society keeps a list of suppliers of safe solar filters and viewers.

While supplies last, free eclipse glasses will be available before public programming on April 1st (Stars Tonight), and before the weekend shows on April 6th and 7th at the Planetarium. Please inspect your approved eclipse glasses and confirm there are no scratches before wearing them. Eclipse glasses should be put on while looking down and away from the sun. After you have finished observing, look down and away from the sun to take off your eclipse glasses. Never look directly at the sun without approved and inspected eclipse glasses completely covering your eyes.

 

FOP logoThe Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium (FOP)

All proceeds go directly to support the planetarium programs and science education in Arlington Public Schools.

Visit the FOP Website

Link to Purchase Tickets 

 

 

Contact Us

David M. Brown Planetarium

1426 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207
703-228-6070

Mary Clendenning, Planetarium Director
703-228-2890
mary.clendenning@apsva.us

Christine Reid, Science Office
703-228-6166
chris.reid@apsva.us

Directions

The David M Brown Planetarium is located adjacent to the campus of Washington-Liberty High School.  The physical address is
1426 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207

Arriving from the West via I-66:

Take Exit 71 (Glebe Rd/Fairfax Drive.) Continue east on Fairfax Drive and turn left at the sixth traffic light onto N. Quincy St.  Head north on Quincy two blocks and look for the white domed building on your left.

I-66 from the East and DC:

Take Exit 72 (Glebe Rd).  At the exit, turn left on Glebe Rd.  At the next traffic light (Washington Blvd) turn left and go two traffic lights to N. Quincy Street.  Turn left on Quincy and proceed two blocks to the planetarium (white domed building on you left.)

Arriving from the South:

Travel northbound on Glebe Road (approx 3.7 miles from I-395) to N. Quincy.  Right on Quincy and pass 3 traffic lights and look for the white domed building on your left.

Arriving West from Langston Highway (US Rt 29):

Turn right  onto N.Quincy at traffic light.  There will be  two car dealerships on either side of Quincy as you make your right turn.  Follow N. Quincy across I-66 overpass (approximately 1/2 mile) and immediately turn right into Planetarium/W-L Annex parking lot.