The Astronomy in the Park event held in May at Machicomoco State Park was attended by over 100 people. During the event, 20 youth entered a contest to win one of two telescopes donated to the friends group. The telescope winners were Kellan Russell of Yorktown, and Annabelle Fischer of Hampton. In late May, both Russell and Fischer returned to the park to learn how to use and care for their telescope and accessories. They tried out their telescopes to view the full moon, Venus, and Jupiter. Fischer aspires to be an astronaut and wants to study the night sky and share her experiences with family and friends. Russell has taken a deep interest in astronomy, already returning to the park with his father Mike for several viewing sessions in June. All other contest entrants received a night sky chart that allows them to identify key stars and constellations. Friends of Machicomoco partners with the NASA Skywatchers to deliver these events where the public can learn about the night sky and ha...