Special this season: Nassau night sky viewing, International Observe the Moon Night
Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park is open daily 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Montville Township, and Naturalist (“Astro-Nat”) Chris Mentrek is eager to show you around this International Dark Sky Park during special programming all season long.
This August, Observatory Park’s historic Nassau Astronomical Station at 10350 Clay Street was finally reopened for night sky viewing through one of the largest public telescopes in the state. The effort was also honored last month with a recognition from Gov. John R. Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.
“This occasion is a reminder of all the hard work and dedication that has resulted in the completion of this project, and we commend all those who were involved for your support in this endeavor,” the recognition proceeded. “It is our hope that this newly renovated observatory will encourage visitors to learn more about our incredible university, and we extend our best wishes for continued success.”
This fall’s Nassau Night Sky Viewings will be held these Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: October 14th and 21st, November 11th, 18th and 25th, and December 9th and 30th. If conditions aren’t favorable, enjoy a planetarium show instead at the Robert McCullough Science Center. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society participate on October 21st and November 18th.
Nassau Astronomical Station is also the site of Geauga Park District’s International Observe the Moon Night celebration on Saturday, October 28th, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Drop in anytime to view the moon using park telescopes and learn more about Earth’s closest neighbor!
Back at the main campus at 10610 Clay Street, enjoy full moon programs on Wednesday, October 4th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival); Saturday, November 4th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (The Beaver Moon); and Sunday, December 3rd, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (A Cold “Supermoon”).
Experience hands-on learning during hour-long Friday programs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 13th and 27th (Make a Sundial), November 10th (Visits to the Moon), and December 8th and 29th (Space Radio), followed by night sky viewing if weather permits.
Have you heard about the new astronomy programming series for kids ages 3 to 5? Astrotots: Rockets will be a “blast” for children and their parents on Wednesday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 7th, as we all make rockets to take home, and safely assist and watch a model rocket launch. Get more details and register at Geauga Park District or 440-286-9516.
Finally, the Robert McCullough Science Center and Oberle Observatory will both be opened by “Astro-Nat” Chris these Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: October 15th and 29th, November 12th and 26th, and December 10th and 31st, all featuring The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows at 2:00 p.m.
Learn more about Observatory Park any time of day or night online at .
