Sometimes it’s nice to take your gaze from your glowing screen to the glowing night sky instead. Whether you’re serious about astronomy or just love gazing up at the stars and the moon, there’s no doubt that stargazing is relaxing and makes you feel part of something bigger than what’s going on in your life.
Unfortunately, unless you live far out in the country, light pollution for cities and towns greatly diminish the amount and quality of stars that you’ll see. While the big and little dippers are usually easy enough to see, they are just a tiny fraction of the constellations out there. But even around the bright lights of the city, there are places you can go to study a deeper part of the universe.
Head to one of the Central Ohio Planetariums or Astronomy Parks listed below to learn more about the stars out there. Planetarium shows are perfect for any time of the year no matter the weather, and will give you a deeper understanding about the night sky and our universe through educational programs. Astronomy Parks and Observatories may offer the option tours and guided observations, as well as the opportunity for stargazing on your own, often with equipment available for use.
Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Upcoming Celestial Events
For more information on any of these events, visit the Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events at Sea and Sky.
August 12, 13 – Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. The waxing crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
August 19 – Jupiter at Opposition. The giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. A medium-sized telescope should be able to show you some of the details in Jupiter’s cloud bands. A good pair of binoculars should allow you to see Jupiter’s four largest moons, appearing as bright dots on either side of the planet.
August 22 – Full Moon, Blue Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 12:02 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Sturgeon Moon because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more easily caught at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon. Since this is the third of four full moons in this season, it is known as a blue moon. This rare calendar event only happens once every few years, giving rise to the term, “once in a blue moon.” There are normally only three full moons in each season of the year. But since full moons occur every 29.53 days, occasionally a season will contain 4 full moons. The extra full moon of the season is known as a blue moon. Blue moons occur on average once every 2.7 years.
September 7 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 00:52 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
September 14 – Neptune at Opposition. The blue giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Neptune. Due to its extreme distance from Earth, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.
September 14 – Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 26.8 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
September 20 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 23:54 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Corn Moon because the corn is harvested around this time of year. This moon is also known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the September equinox each year.
September 22 – September Equinox. The September equinox occurs at 19:11 UTC. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.
October 6 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 11:05 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
October 7 – Draconids Meteor Shower. The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs annually from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the the night of the 7th. This year, the nearly new moon will leave dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be in the early evening from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
October 20 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 14:57 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Hunters Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. This moon has also been known as the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon.
October 21, 22 – Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids is an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from October 2 to November 7. It peaks this year on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The full moon will be a problem this year for the Orionids. Its glare will block out all but the brightest meteors. But if you are patient, you should still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Orion, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
October 25 – Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 18.4 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
October 29 – Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation of 47 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.
November 4 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 21:15 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
November 4, 5 – Taurids Meteor Shower. The Taurids is a long-running minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is unusual in that it consists of two separate streams. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10. The second stream is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower runs annually from September 7 to December 10. It peaks this year on the the night of November 4. The new moon will leave dark skies this year for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Taurus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
November 5 – Uranus at Opposition. The blue-green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.
November 17, 18 – Leonids Meteor Shower. The Leonids is an average shower, producing up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen. That last of these occurred in 2001. The Leonids is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1865. The shower runs annually from November 6-30. It peaks this year on the night of the 17th and morning of the 18th. Unfortunately the nearly full moon will dominate the sky this year, blocking all but the brightest meteors. But if you are patient, you should still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
November 19 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 08:59 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Beaver Moon because this was the time of year to set the beaver traps before the swamps and rivers froze. It has also been known as the Frosty Moon and the Dark Moon.
November 19 – Partial Lunar Eclipse. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s partial shadow, or penumbra, and only a portion of it passes through the darkest shadow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse a part of the Moon will darken as it moves through the Earth’s shadow. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Russia, Japan, the Pacific Ocean, North America, Mexico, Central America, and parts of western South America. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)
December 4 – New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 07:44 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
December 4- Total Solar Eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun’s beautiful outer atmosphere known as the corona. The path of totality will for this eclipse will be limited to Antarctica and the southern Atlantic Ocean. A partial eclipse will bee visible throughout much of South Africa. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information) (Interactive NASA Google)
December 13, 14 – Geminids Meteor Shower. The Geminids is the king of the meteor showers. It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982. The shower runs annually from December 7-17. It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The waxing gibbous moon will block out most of the fainter meteors this year. But the Geminids are so numerous and bright that this could still be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
December 19 – Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 04:37 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Cold Moon because this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and the nights become long and dark. This moon has also been known as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule.
December 21 – December Solstice. The December solstice occurs at 15:50 UTC. The South Pole of the earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its southernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude. This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.
December 21, 22 – Ursids Meteor Shower. The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, which was first discovered in 1790. The shower runs annually from December 17-25. It peaks this year on the the night of the 21st and morning of the 22nd. The nearly full moon will be a problem this year, blocking all but the brightest meteors. But if you are patient enough, you may still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
NOTE: Some may be parks and planetariums are closed temporarily or have the telescopes disabled, so please check links and plan to bring your own equipment until gathering restrictions have been lifted.
Central Ohio Observatories and Astronomy Parks
Astronomy Parks are open air in nature, and observatories use telescopes to view the actual night sky. Observatories often have a dome ceiling that opens for a large telescope.
Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University
Perkins Observatory is primarily an active research and educational facility for the OWU Astronomy Department. They also host public programs that are family friendly almost every Friday evening throughout the year. Public programs consist of an orientation and safety talk, astronomy lecture, and tours of the Observatory. Programs may include observing sessions, weather permitting, with the large telescope in the dome, as well as smaller ones on the lawn. They offer solar telescopes for use during daytime programs.
Perkins Observatory has reopened to the public for special programming on select Friday evenings.
Events are still held on cloudy evenings, and may not include use of the telescopes. Rocket launches may be available during daytime programs. In addition to the guided activities, you can explore the exhibits and library, and use of the computers with astronomy software.
See details about the public programs. Advance tickets are typically required and can be purchased approximately a month in advance. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 if scheduled day-of, if available. See online schedule before you arrive to purchase tickets at the door, as space only permits 80 people. Tickets regularly sell out, so make sure to check the schedule for 2021!
Starting at 8pm: January 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30
Starting at 9 P.M.: May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11, 18, July*(see below), August 6, 13, 20, 27
Starting at 8 P.M.: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, December 3, 10
July: CELEBRATION OF THE SUN! – Note for July 24 and 31, 2021:
Special series of programs called “Celebration of the Sun!” During early summer, when the sun sets too late to schedule evening programs, Perkins will host late afternoon activities to celebrate, talk about, and observe with special telescopes (weather permitting) our incredible “day star,” the sun. Those programs all begin promptly at 2 P.M. and will be held on the following Saturday afternoons:
John Glenn Astronomy Park
The John Glenn Astronomy Park opened in Hocking Hills in July of 2018. Hocking Hills boasts minimal light pollution, which makes this park and amazing place for stargazing. The park features red lighting to combat light pollution, an interactive sundial, and a 540 sq. foot observatory with retractable roof with powerful telescopes.
The JGAP park is open 24/7 to enjoy the night sky on your own, except during special events. Guests must sign in at a kiosk. Visit during the day to view the sun through special filtered solar telescopes, astronomical activities, and the solar system walk. Come during the evening for scheduled programs to take in views of the night sky through the 28-inch telescope in the roll-off roof observatory (programs currently suspended). Find more details on the website.
Free parking passes are now required for busy nights at JGAP during peak hours from 8 pm until midnight). Get yours at http://registration.jgap.org/. You cannot park elsewhere and walk to the park, as there is no safe path or trail. Masks are required on any paved or brick areas.
Currently suspended: Telescope programs are not available right now, but guided stargazing is available on clear nights on the weekend. Check Facebook to see how the skies look in the area. You will likely need parking passes on clear nights.
Warren Rupp Observatory
The Warren Rupp Observatory has one of the world’s largest amateur operated telescopes. It’s located in Hidden Hollow Camp, near Mansfield, Ohio, with some of the darker skies in the state. The observatory is operated by the Richland Astronomical Society who’s members dedicate themselves to public awareness of astronomy. The observatory has a 36″ Newtonian Telescope “Big Blue” in the 2 story dome.
Public Nights are typically held on the first Saturday of each month from March through November. Check the website about upcoming events. 5127 Possum Run Rd. Bellville, Ohio 44813
Central Ohio Planetariums
A planetarium is a “sky theater” with projection of the sky and universe are shown on a dome ceiling. Planetarium shows are typically 30-60 minutes and don’t allow late admittance into the dark theatre. Be sure to arrive on time. Food and drink are not permitted.
Live shows are appropriate for ages 3-4, as long as they can sit in the dark for an hour. Our 4.5 year old did great and really enjoyed the show, but one of us took our 2.5 year old out partway through so she didn’t disturb others once she got restless.
COSI Planetarium
The largest planetarium in the state, you’ll experience the latest digital technology under a 60-foot dome projecting shows ranging from tonight’s central Ohio sky to weather in the solar system. They offer a variety of shows every day that COSI is open, and offer general admission shows (recommended age 7+, and Jr. Shows geared towards age 3-10.
Planetarium tickets may be purchased separately or added to COSI’s general admission price. Tickets are $4-$8.
The Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University, Smith Laboratory
No programs scheduled during Summer 2021.
This 63-seat 30-foot dome theater features comfy chairs and amazing views of the night sky, as you go on a digital journey to the planets, stars, and galaxies. They offer free live shows, fulldome feature presentations, and special events presented by students and faculty in OSU Department of Astronomy.
Shows schedules are typically released a few weeks before the event; reservations can be made a week in advance. Click here to see if any shows are scheduled.
SciDome at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
The Works and SciDome are OPEN! The Works hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 am to Noon and 1 pm to 4 pm. Advance reservations required! SciDome shows are held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:30 am & 2:30 pm.
Visitors to The Works will enjoy the 30-ft, 4K projection SciDome free with their paid museum admission or membership. They offer 30 minute shows geared towards the general audience and for kids.
The schedule can be found online, and you can reserve your ticket at the front desk when you arrive. Saturdays are the busiest day, so arrive a little early and explore the museum while you wait. The 1st floor includes hands-on educational and experimental fun for kids of all ages. The 2nd floor features life-size displays of the history of the area, as well as some interactive exhibits.
Drive a little further for an amazing view of the stars
Other Ohio Planetariums
BGSU Planetarium in Bowling Green
Appold Planetarium in Sylvania at Lourdes College
Ritter Planetarium in Toledo at University of Toledo
Shafran Planetarium in Cleveland
Walter Schuele Planetarium in Bay Village
Hoover-Price Planetarium in Canton
Fred Silk Planetarium in Wilmot
Wilderness Center Planetarium in Wilmot
Kent State University Planetarium in Kent
Ward Beecher Planetarium in Youngstown at Youngstown State University
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater in Dayton at Boonshaft Museum of Discovery
Drake Planetarium in Norwood
Astro Theater in Wopakoneta at Neil Armstrong Museum
Other Observatories to explore
Observatory Park in Montville, Ohio (10610 Clay St, Montville, OH 44064). Observatory Park features the Nassau Astronomical Station with one of the largest public viewing telescopes in Ohio. The Park is one of only 39 “Dark Sky Parks” in the US. See schedule for public events and registration.
“This 1,100-acre park encourages visitors to explore Nature from the ground to the galaxies. Six trails total 3.97 miles. Numerous site features include a trail with interactive pods representing each trail proportionate to the sun, a trail with interactive stations representing ways to study weather, life-sized cornerstones of the Great Pyramid of Giza, earthern mounds, henge stones and, via a woodland trail, access to the Nassau Astronomical Station.”
Cherry Springs State Park (4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915) This 82-acre state park is approximately 6 hours from Columbus and offers cherry trees, clear skies for star-gazing & nearby Susquehanna Trail. The park is the darkest point east of the Mississippi. You can see about 10,000 stars with your naked eye. It’s one of only twelve International Dark Sky Parks in the world.
Hi Jean, this article has a whole list of Central Ohio Observatories and Astronomy Parks with links to their websites so you can find out exactly what they offer. Looks like Perkins Observatory (Delaware) and John Glenn Astronomy Park (Hocking Hills) are the closest offering use of the telescopes, so you should definitely check out their schedules to see when the telescopes can be used! Have fun!
My 8 year old great grandson is very interested in astronomy, so I would like information on the best places to take him to look through a high powered telescope. I live in Columbus, Ohio, so places close would be a plus. Any other information you can provide will be appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks so much! I didn’t know about this and have added it.
I would like to add that the Richlsnd Astronomical Society operates the Warren Rupp Observatoryst Hidden Hollow camp. The observatory has a 36″ Newtonian Telescope “Big Blue” in the 2 story dome. The first Saturday of every month March through November we offer free observing to the public. Weather Permitting. 5127 Possum Run Rd. Bellville, Ohio 44813.