Aiming to promote scientific thinking to the young and young-at-heart through the study and practice of astronomy, the new Geauga Skywatchers Club is excited to announce its first meeting.
The club, founded by Geauga County Public Library (GCPL), Burton Public Library (BPL), the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society, the Foundation for Geauga Parks, and Geauga Park District, will feature monthly lectures and astronomy activities geared to an audience of grades 6-12. Meetings, however, are open to anyone interested in astronomy, and will be held at various library locations in GCPL and BPL, as well as Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park.
The first meeting will be held Monday, September 9th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Chardon Branch of the Geauga County Public Library. Prospective members are asked to register for this or other upcoming meetings at geaugalibrary.net.
George Trimble, president of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society, said the club will explore astronomy with the guidance of local experts and sophisticated equipment available through local organizations. “Our goal is to teach the wonders of the solar system and universe while honing skills in mathematics, engineering, optics, observing, reason, and critical thinking,” he said. “We recognize accomplishment with an optional system of advancement.”
The purpose of the club, according to Heidi O’Neil of the Foundation for Geauga Parks, is to “help make bright minds shine with the light of new knowledge” and to “inspire the next generation of working scientists in our community by ‘Looking Up.’”
Geauga Park District will contribute teaching members/naturalists John Kolar and Chris Mentrek to the club, as well as its observatories and planetarium at Observatory Park. The Foundation for Geauga Parks has graciously supplied telescopes for the club that will be available for checkout at GCPL and BPL, in addition to financial, organizational and marketing support. The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will provide teaching members with expertise and equipment. Both library systems will also supply books and related materials.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
