John Glenn Astronomy Park
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Throughout history, people have been fascinated by the night sky full of stars. John Glenn Astronomy Park is in Hocking Hills State Park, one of the few areas of Ohio where the night sky can be seen clearly without the interference of man-made light.
About John Glenn Astronomy Park
The observatory in the location of Hocking Hills State Park was inspired by the vanishing night sky. It provides a venue for visitors to experience the pristine night sky through a large telescope and with their own eyes.
The plaza has been designed using information drawn from other great structures such as Stonehenge in England, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, and many Hopewell and Fort Ancient Earthworks in Ohio that commemorate the changing seasons through the motion of the sun. On the first day of each of the four seasons, the rays of the sun fall upon a special central point in the plaza.
John Glenn was a decorated military pilot, a US Senator, and most famously, he was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. He was born in Cambridge Ohio, and attended Muskingum University. In 2015 John Glenn gave his permission to use his name on the Observatory Park project by the Friends of the Hocking Hills. John Glenn died in December 2016.
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Be sure to follow along on their Facebook page. You can find out about up to date events on the John Glenn Astronomy Park Facebook page.
Programs at John Glenn Astronomy Park
The programs at JGAP are on clear Friday and Saturday nights from March to late November. The main page of their website forecasts whether the program will go ahead on that evening.
The programs are based on what is in view on each date, such as The Rugged Moon, Lots and Lots of Galaxies, The Whirlpool Galaxy, and Globular Clusters.
John Glenn Astronomy Park Quick Facts
- Parking at JGAP is limited to 70 cars, so an online reservation is required.
- Visitors may bring their own telescope.
- There are no camping facilities.
- Grills are not permitted at the park.
- Bring a lawn chair and blanket for your comfort.
- JGAP is not responsible for the weather conditions and programs may be canceled with short or no notice.
Where is John Glenn Astronomy Park Located?
- Address: 20531 OH-664, Logan, Ohio 43138
- Phone: 800-462-5464 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Location Map for JGAP
Let’s Visit John Glenn Astronomy Park!
Have you visited John Glenn Astronomy Park? Maybe you took part in one of the events and would like to share your experience. We’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below!
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Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.
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