Experience the sky as we explore the park on the darkest night of the month. We will use a sky quality meter at four sites within the park to measure darkness. Let’s see if Shawnee State Park can be considered a dark sky destination. Meet at the Lodge Lobby. Dress in layers and bring a head lamp with red filter if you have one. Meet in the Lodge Lobby
Enjoy a brisk, moderate two-mile walk during this month's new moon. Dark skies and crisp air will allow us to enjoy this area's view into the celestial heavens, something becoming increasingly rare due to light pollution. Learn what it is and how to stop it as we walk along the paved campground road. Please wear sturdy, close-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Feel free to bring any additional equipment to assist with potentially slippery conditions. Flashlights and headlights are permitted, but we will challenge ourselves to walk as long as we can without them. Meet at the Nature Center.
Learn more about our current projects and how you can help. Join on the day of with this Zoom link.
DarkSky Ohio is proud to be a featured vendor at this free outdoor-focused expo. Click here to learn more.
Join the Miami Valley Astronomical Society for their first stargaze of the year. If the weather cooperates, participants can explore the winter constellations and learn why dark skies help enhance the viewing experience.
Experience the magic of the night during this two-hour hike. Participants will see the world how nocturnal animals see it. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for weather. Hike distance will be based on participants and the weather. Meet at the Nature Center. If time allows, there will be a Laser Tour of the Stars from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Nature Center.
Wake up early for an extra special event—a total lunar eclipse! Meet at the Campground Beach. Weather dependent.
Explore the park after dark and enjoy the splendor of the Cold Moon during this brisk, moderate two-mile hike! Lake Hope is some of the last remaining dark skies in Ohio. Enjoy them while they are still here and learn why they are important and how to protect them. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Feel free to bring any additional equipment to assist with uneven terrain. Flashlights and headlamps are permitted with red light filters.
Dr. Wes Ryle, Director of the Cincinnati Observatory, explores how light pollution affects astronomical data, what kinds of observations are most vulnerable, and how professional observatories and astronomers work to measure, manage, and advocate against these impacts. Join on the day of with this Zoom Link.
Experience the sky as we explore the park on the darkest night of the month. We will use a sky quality meter at four sites within the park to measure darkness. Let’s see if our park can be considered a dark sky destination. Meet at the Lodge Lobby. Dress in layers and bring a head lamp with red filter if you have one.
DarkSky Ohio is proud to be invited as an exhibitor to Yellow Spring's Earth Day & Community Habitat Celebration. We'll be tabling on the front lawn of the John Bryan Community Center (100 Dayton St.). While you're there, put your name in for a free milkweed plant, purchase native plants, and enjoy food, activities, and live music!
Explore the park after dark and enjoy the splendor of the Flower Moon during this brisk, moderate 2-mile hike! Lake Hope is some of the last remaining dark skies in Ohio; learn why they are important and how to protect them.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Feel free to bring any additional equipment to assist with uneven terrain. Flashlights and headlamps are permitted, but we try to walk as much as we can.
Meet at the Playground Parking Lot
This is a support event for COSI's Science Festival and is sponsored by ODNR, the Miami Valley Astronomical Society, and DarkSky Ohio. Stop by the playground parking lot and enjoy a short, guided sunset hike followed by a moongaze (and possibly Jupioter gaze!). DarkSky Ohio will have a table, so be sure to stop by and say hi!
DarkSky Ohio will tabling inside COSI (333 W. Broad St.) on Saturday, May 2. Come say hi and be sure to visit COSI's website to learn more about Community STEAM events happening across Ohio!
May the Fourth Be With Us! DarkSky Ohio is proud to partner with the Cincinnati Observatory, Cincinnati Zoo, and Cookiefection for an out-of-this-world event, perfect for all ages. This FREE 2.5-hour event takes place at the Cincinnati Observatory (3489 Observatory Place) and includes:
We hope to see you there!
Meet at the Campground Boat Ramp Parking Lot
Erin Shaw, Caesar Creek Park Naturalist, will host this free canoe excursion (at night). Bring a headlamp.
Experience the sky and explore Shawnee State Park on the darkest night of the month.
