Stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park

March 01, 2024 through November 23, 2024

Outdoor

The John Glenn astronomy Park (JGAP) is open at all times for people to enjoy views of sky, day or night. Just drive up!

On clear Friday and Saturday nights, from March through November, we do “guided stargazing” programs starting a half-hour after sunset. These involve a laser-guided “tour” of the constellations and features of the sky. We will show you the constellations and other features of the sky. Due to the popularity and nature of our telescope viewing programs, which put hundreds of people a night in close proximity to our volunteers, please be considerate of our volunteers and others by not “crowding.”

On many nights Astro-imagers on site will frequently share live views of celestial objects on their computer screens.
Because our parking space is limited, we require visitors to secure a free parking pass for the early evening hours.
Get one at: registration.jgap.org

2024:

September 27-28 Saturn in a Dark Sky
The glorious rings of Saturn are much thinner this year, but they still wow viewers.  This distant world is at its best this month.   Also, a lovely fall Milky Way in a dark sky.  7:15 PM

October 4-5 The Andromeda Galaxy
The largest companion to our own Milky Way may or may not someday collide with us.  Come learn about it, and see it in our dark skies.   7:15 PM

October 11-12  The Mountains of the Moon
The rugged Apennine mountains are perfectly illuminated this weekend to appreciate them.  Also, Saturn and distant Neptune are well placed.  7:00 P

October 18-19  The Moon Only Seems Big
This weekend is a perfect time to experience the so-called moon illusion, where the moon seems uncannily big. It’s not, but the optical illusion seen after sunset is impressive.  Also Saturn!  6:45 PM

October 25-26: The Drama of Cassiopeia, Andromeda and Perseus
The IAU constellations in the fall skies tell an ancient story of pride, a sea monster, and accidental heroism.  Come learn this story on a lovely dark sky weekend.  Also, Saturn!  6:45 PM

November 1-2 Fall Skies
The sky in the fall is filled with celestial wonders: The Andromeda and M33 Galaxies, the rising Pleiades Cluster, Saturn, the riches of Cassiopeia and Cepheus, and maybe a comet!   This is a dark sky weekend.  6:30 PM

November 8-9  The Rugged first Quarter Moon
This weekend sees the lunar terminator dividing the moon in two. It’s the best time of the month to see its countless craters, valleys and mountains.   5:30 PM EST

November 15-16 The Moon Near the Pleiades
Once a month, the moon passes near the most famous star cluster.  When it’s full, the cluster is hard to see. Can you spot it?  Also Uranus is right next door. 5:30 PM

November 22-23  Jupiter Rises, our Year Sets
At the last scheduled program of our year, the giant planet Jupiter sets.  Come learn about it, and enjoy its companions Saturn and Uranus.  5:15 PM

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