The Hocking Hills is one of the few areas left in Ohio where you can see the night sky in all its splendor. Get away from the light pollution of the city and spend an evening stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park during your Hocking Hills vacation. Attend one of their exciting astronomy programs or head out on your own stargazing adventure anytime throughout the year. Whether you are a budding astronomer or just want to learn more about our night sky, the John Glenn Astronomy Park is the perfect addition to your stay with Chalets in Hocking Hills.
John Glenn Astronomy Park Programs
The John Glenn Astronomy Park was named after the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, John Glenn, who grew up right here in Ohio. The park itself was created to provide a venue for people to experience the night sky away from light pollution and spark an interest in science. Experience it for yourself and attend one of the astronomy programs on Friday and Saturday nights from March through November:
- The astronomy programs are an excellent way to learn about the night sky and observe the various astronomical events that occur throughout the year. Look through the telescope and see celestial objects, lunar features, star clusters, nebulae, and much more!
- Please register for programs online before attending. Parking is limited.
- Programs are weather-dependent and may be canceled on cloudy or rainy nights.
- When driving into the park, please keep your high beams off and turn off your headlights as soon as you park to help maintain a dark observing field.
Stargaze on Your Own
You are more than welcome to stargaze on your own at the astronomy park on non-program nights. Set up your telescope at the observatory, or bring a pair of binoculars to get started. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Check weather conditions and cloud cover through websites like Clear Outside. Make sure you dress accordingly.
- Use a stargazing app like Stellarium to navigate the night sky. Familiarize yourself with easy-to-find constellations to help orient yourself.
- Let your eyes adapt to the darkness for about half an hour before stargazing. Don’t use flashlights or look at your phone while you wait.
Stay in Hocking Hills Cabin Rentals
Hocking Hills is the perfect place to go stargazing in Ohio. Stargaze from the observatory of the John Glenn Astronomy Park or view the night sky from the backyard of your Hocking Hills cabin rental. All of our cabins are situated in privately owned, wooded areas, offering the perfect vantage point to view the night sky in a remote setting. Whether you’re looking for a charming two-bedroom cabin or a spacious seven-bedroom lodge for your extended family, we offer accommodations to suit groups of all sizes. Plan your getaway in Hocking Hills today and escape to nature!
