District unveils programs, events at Observatory Park

Geauga Park District has unveiled winter options for those who want to visit Observatory Park in Montville Township.

The park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Memorial Day, and Naturalist “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek and his fellow naturalists are eager to show people around the International Dark Sky Park during several programs this winter, according to a news release. Guided night sky viewings on this park’s main campus are open for registration at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 on the following Saturdays: Jan. 23, Feb. 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 — from 7 to 11 p.m. on these Saturdays: Feb. 20 and March 20.

Those interested can register for one of the limited spots to join a naturalist on a 1.5-mile Hidden Gems Hike on March 14.

Meanwhile, astronomy lessons will take place virtually from 7 to 7:45 p.m. on these Fridays: Jan. 22 (Radio Astronomy), Feb. 12 and 26 (Mars Rover Perseverance), and March 12 and 26 (The Zodiac). Register in advance and the park district will send the link to join via the free software Webex.

The Geauga Skywatchers Club is also meeting virtually right now. Registration is required through https://geaugalibrary.libcal.com for these Monday evening meetings: Feb. 1 (UFOs in Geauga County) and March 1 (Weather or Not?).

Children ages 3-5 can enjoy “Astrotots: Rovers & Robots” on Feb. 5; Brownie Girl Scouts can become “Space Science Adventurers” on Jan. 30; Boy Scouts of America can work on the Astronomy Merit Badge on Feb. 19; and Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts can work on the Space Science Master and Expert Badge on Feb. 20.

Registration is also required for those events.

And finally, Mentrek will continue to open the Robert McCullough Science Center for his Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows on these Sundays: Jan. 24, Feb. 28 and March 28. Those interested should register for a 45-minute time slot in advance.

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, face coverings are required indoors at all times and outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible, the release stated. Those planning to attend a program or event are reminded to check the park district website before coming out in case of changes or cancellations.