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.
This family-friendly event includes hands-on crafts, a guided night hike, moth watching, stargazing, and s'mores around a fire pit! Bring chairs and a blanket, and prepare for an unforgetting evening. Registration not required.
Join MVAS for their fifth public stargaze at John Bryan State Park, in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night. The moon will be just past first quarter and the primary target of the night!
Enjoy a Cemetery Sunset Driving Tour, a 1/2-mile hike, and stargazing and storytelling. This event is free and open to the public. The event may be cancelled if the weather is inclement, so be sure to check Caesar Creek State Park's Facebook page for updates near or on the day of the event.
Join MVAS for their sixth public stargaze at John Bryan State Park. The moon will be at third quarter and not visible during the stargaze, giving attendees more opportunity to view deep sky objects.
Stop by our table at Darby Creek Metro Park and learn more about the effects of light pollution and what responsible lighting practices you can implement at home.
This free event, sponsored by our friends at Five Rivers MetroParks, is perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts. Stop by and visit DarkSky's table to learn more about how you can get involved in our organization, and enjoy the all of the fun food, music, outdoor activities, and camping opportunities at the event! No registration is required.
Discover the secret of lightning bugs! Take a slow, short walk and search for the faint glow of their larvae in the darkness, learn why this bioluminescence is crucial to their existence, and get tips on how you can create a firefly-friendly space in your own backyard!
Join MVAS for a crisp fall stargaze near the park's Storybook Trail. The moon will be nearly first quarter; sunset starts around 6:54 p.m. Bring chairs and a blanket. There will be red light flashlight kits available.
Experience the nearly full moon at this public stargaze, sponsored by our friends at MVAS!
If you missed out on public stargazes at John Bryan, this is your last chance to experience it in 2026! Join MVAS for their last public stargaze of the year.
