Special this season: night sky viewings, virtual astronomy lessons & scouting
Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. now through Memorial Day, and Naturalist (“Astro-Nat”) Chris Mentrek and his fellow naturalists are eager to show you around your International Dark Sky Park during the following programs this winter.
Guided night sky viewings on this park’s main campus are open for registration at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 the following Saturdays: January 9 and 23, February 13, and March 13 and 27. 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.: January 16, February 20 and March 20.
To discover some of what makes this property so special, register ASAP for one of the limited spots to join a naturalist on a 1.5-mile Hidden Gems Hike on Sunday, March 14.
It’s so easy these days to get an astronomy lesson – virtually – these Fridays 7 to 7:45 p.m.: January 8 and 22 (Radio Astronomy), February 12 and 26 (Mars Rover Perseverance), and March 12 and 26 (The Zodiac). Just register in advance and we’ll send you the link to join us via the free software Webex!
The Geauga Skywatchers Club is also meeting virtually right now, a great time to get involved! Registration is required through https://geaugalibrary.libcal.
For the young people in your life, by registering soon, kids ages 3-5 can enjoy Astrotots: Rovers & Robots on Friday, February 5; Brownie Girl Scouts can become Space Science Adventurers on Saturday, January 30; Boy Scouts of America can work on the Astronomy Merit Badge on Friday, February 19; and Senior & Ambassador Girl Scouts can work on the Space Science Master and Expert Badge on Saturday, February 20.
And finally, “Astro-Nat” Chris will continue to open the Robert McCullough Science Center for his famous Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows these Sundays: January 24, February 28 and March 28. 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!
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.
