Full Moon Walk
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
5:30-6:45 PM
Bluemont Park
601 North Manchester Street
Arlington, VA 22203
free in-person, outdoor event

Join the Friends and WalkArlington for an evening stroll celebrating the Snow Moon from 5:30 to 6:45 PM EST on Wednesday, February 16. We will enjoy the setting Sun and rising Moon as twilight deepens. Friends' President Jennifer Bartlett will explain the diminishing light as we pass through twilight into night. She will also tell us a bit about how the moon waxes and wanes through its different phases. As she does so, Mary Dallao of WalkArlington will lead us on an out-and-back walk along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. We will depart from and return to the ranger station in Bluemont Park. At the end of the walk, the Moon will be fully risen but low in the sky. We will take a few minutes to enjoy the craters and other lunar features through binoculars. Jennifer and Mary welcome children and adults for this winter walk.

On February 16, sunset will be at 5:47 PM EST followed almost immediately by moonrise at 5:49 PM EST. Civil twilight will last until 6:14 PM EST while nautical twilight will persist until 6:45 PM EST. Although we consider Wednesday night the full moon, it will reach its peak illumination early that morning (11:56 AM EST). Curious about these terms and times? Definitely, come learn with us.

Jennifer Bartlett is a professor of Physics at the US Naval Academy and professional astronomer. From 2009–2021, she computed astronomical phenomena, including sunset times and lunar phases, for the US Naval Observatory. A long-time Arlington resident, she attended the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program. Her son now attends Kenmore Middle School.

The Friends are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with WalkArlington. Since 2009, WalkArlington has been educating and encouraging residents to walk more. It is part of Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS), which encourage active transportation choices to improve our community.

Participation in this event is free but registration is required. Please click here to join the waitlist via Eventbrite.

For your safety, the Friends will comply with all local guidelines regarding outdoor events of this nature. Volunteer staff will be fully vaccinated. All volunteers and attendees over the age of 4 are encouraged to bring a mask in case social distancing is not possible along sections of the path.

What to Bring

WalkArlington will provide lanterns and flashlights since we will be walking in the dark. If you have your own flashlights, feel free to bring them. Friends of the David M. Brown Planetarium can loan some binoculars, but you are also encouraged to bring your own. WalkArlington will also provide free hot beverages (tea, hot chocolate) you can take with you as we embark on this winter walk.

Getting to Bluemont Park Ranger Station

The exact meetup point is at the Bluemont Park Ranger Station near the tennis courts. Bluemont Park is located at 601 N. Manchester St., about 1 ½ miles from the Ballston Metro. You can take Metro, bus, or use active transportation (walking, biking, bikeshare) to get to this walk. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the park from the Ballston Metro. Alternatively, you can take several buses from Ballston to reach the park, including the 25B, the 1A, and the 75. Visit Car-Free Near Me to figure out the best route.