Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Memorial Day, then 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. through Labor Day, and Naturalist “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek and his fellow naturalists are eager to show you around your International Dark Sky Park!
Fifty-minute time slots to enjoy guided night sky viewings are open for registration at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 for the following Saturdays: April 24, May 8, May 22, June 12 and June 26. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will also be on hand to host walk-up night sky viewing at Nassau Astronomical Station (accessed by a different entrance to the park) these Saturdays 7 to 11 p.m.: April 17, May 15 and June 19. These do not require registration, however please be aware they will be cancelled by cloudy weather, so watch the website and social media for updates.
Nights Out in the Parks will return this summer with outdoor movie nights that will include “Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13) on Saturday, June 19, from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Each car load will get an activity to do and should bring their own refreshments, as popcorn and lemonade will again not be served this year. The movie begins at dusk. Remember to register, as guests must show registration receipts for entry!
Did you know that Ohio just barely catches a glimpse of the partial lunar eclipse on Wednesday, May 26, before the full moon sets? To experience it, register for this park’s early-morning viewing session from 5 to 6 a.m., where you’ll also learn about some other upcoming eclipses (which should offer a better show).
If you have a horse, you can register to ride this park during two Horseback Trail Rides on Sunday, June 20. If you’re an active senior, sign up for the Geauga Walkers hike on Tuesday, June 29.
And if you’re still preferring to do things virtually, don’t worry – we have astronomy lessons for you, too, these Fridays 7 to 8 p.m.: April 9 and 23 (Earthquakes in Ohio), May 7 and 21 (Exoplanets & How to Find Them), and June 11 and 25 (Benjamin Banneker: Astronomy Pioneer). Register in advance and we’ll send you the link to join us via the free software Zoom!
The Geauga Skywatchers Club is also meeting virtually right now, a great time to get involved! Registration is required through https://geaugalibrary.libcal.com for these Monday evening meetings: April 5 (Women in Space), May 3 (Ancient Astronomy) and June 7 (Geocentrism – Springboard to Copernicus, Part 2).
And finally, “Astro-Nat” Chris will continue to open the Robert McCullough Science Center for his famous Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows these Sundays: April 25, May 23 and June 27. Be sure to register for your 45-minute time slot in advance!
Due to COVID-19, face coverings are required indoors at all times and outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible. Please also remember to check the website before you come out to your chosen program in case of changes or cancellations.
Want to learn more about Observatory Park? Visit our website any time day or night at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org. We look forward to seeing you!
