Girl Scouts invited to NASA-linked astronomy event in Great Falls

Be prepared: A science-related night under the star is getting ready for liftoff.

The educational event at 7 p.m. Saturday will bring hands-on activities to Turner Farm to help commemorate the Dec. 18 launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

The hourlong event invites Girl Scouts to learn about telescopes, particularly the new Webb telescope. NASA notes that the telescope will view the universe at infrared wavelengths, helping show things never seen by any other telescope, to help study galaxy, star and planet formation.

“We are thrilled that the Park Authority is an official host site for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope launch community events,” Tammy Schwab, manager of Fairfax County’s Education and Outreach for Resource Parks, said in a news release. “People of all ages and backgrounds will find inspiration in the Webb mission, which will fundamentally change our understanding of the universe for this generation and many to come.”

Hundreds of events across the country are recognizing the upcoming launch of the telescope, which is roughly the mass of a school bus. At the Great Falls event, participants can earn Space Science badges.

The county is partnering with an educational astronomy group, the Analemma Society, to help with providing telescopes for the event. Cost is $8 per participant, and chaperones (who pay no attendance fees) are required. Register online.

Schwab said a virtual event on Nov. 20 will feature a NASA scientist.