northeast ohio

Observatory Park is dedicated

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The Geauga Park District’s new Observatory Park was dedicated on Saturday, August 20, with a program from 4 PM to midnight.

CAA members Bill Murmann, Bob Wiersma, and Susan Petsche attended the event, which also marked the 50th Anniversary celebration for the Geauga Park District.

Observatory Park, located in Geauga County’s Montville Township, features the new Oberle Observatory with a 25-inch telescope. The observatory was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting at 9:15 PM.

Stargazing until midnight was supposed to be part of the program after the ribbon-cutting. Unfortunately, the skies were cloudy. As the ribbon-cutting took place, however, the skies briefly cleared just enough to show Arcturus, Vega, and part of the handle of the Big Dipper.

Our neighbors and fellow amateur astronomers in the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Association (CVAS) played a key role in establishing the Oberle Observatory, and will continue to assist the Park District in its operation. The 1,100-acre Observatory Park has been designated an official dark-sky site by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

Eventually, the site will also include the Nassau Station Observatory with its 36-inch research telescope that was formerly operated by the astronomy department at Case Western Reserve University.

Findley State Park star party Saturday, September 3

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CAA will host a star party on the beach at Findley State Park from 9 PM to midnight (or so) on Saturday, September 3, weather permitting. The Findley program was originally set for August 6. It had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. This is the last Saturday date with a favorable Moon available for the year because park nature programs close down after the Labor Day weekend.

Those who have experienced it say that this is a great dark-sky site. Park Naturalist Roger Nikiforow said we could expect between 100 and 200 people for the program. The concession stand will be kept open before and during our star party. Nikiforow will be giving a presentation about astronomy from 7-8 PM in the nature center, and will join us with his telescope around 8:30 PM.

Any club members who would like to join us for the star party are welcome to bring a scope and come on out, though all complimentary camping sites for volunteers have been taken.

Everyone’s invited!

Findley State Park, Wellington, Ohio

Geauga’s Observatory Park grand opening August 20

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Photo: Oberle Observatory in Geauga Park District's Observatory Park. Photo by James Guilford.
Oberle Observatory in Geauga Park District's Observatory Park. Photo by James Guilford.

A special evening of activities is planned marking the 50th anniversary of the Geauga Park District. The event also serves as the public’s first viewing of its newest park, Observatory Park. Plans call for everything to get underway at 4:00 PM with a park dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours, entertainment, a hot dog dinner, and evening concert are planned. The evening culminates in a first-light ceremony at the new Oberle Observatory itself. Click here for the full schedule of events.

9:15 PM: “First Light Ceremony” Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting of the Oberle Observatory and Telescope. The Newtonian reflector boasts a universe-grabbing 25.5-inch mirror created by legendary local astronomer Norman Oberle. Sandy Oberle donated her late husband’s telescope to the Geauga Park District to continue his legacy by opening the heavens to the public. The ceremony will feature the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society’s Ian Cooper and Sandy Oberle.

9:15 PM – Midnight: Stargazing hosted by the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society.

Observatory Park, 10610 Clay Street, Montville Township
Event Open to the Public • Free Entertainment and Education for All Ages • Registration is not required. Call: (440) 286-9516 with questions.

2011 Convention a great night

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Photo: Sunset over the still lake at park. Photo by James Guilford.
The sun sets on a beautiful day, ushering in a clear night sky full of stars. Photo by James Guilford.

It was a great night at Letha House Park! CAA members and invited astronomy club members from the area gathered under gloriously clear skies for an evening of socializing and a night of excellent observing.

Many thanks to all those who attended this annual event, and to those who brought the good food for the pot luck and helped with its preparation!  Special thanks in this regard to Marianne Wadsworth, who helped VP Mike Williams with her grilling skills.

Board member Tim Campbell brought in all the great-tasting wieners, brats, and sausages for the event at an excellent price.  Our thanks to Bob Guttwein, president of Five Star Brand Meats in Cleveland, who offered the high-quality meat at a steep discount through Tim.

Photo: Lecturer with projected image of Saturn's moon Titan. Photo by James Guilford.
Featured speaker Jay Reynolds talks about the NASA Cassini mission, shown here with a projected image of Saturn's moon Titan. The new facilities at Letha House Park were much appreciated.Photo by James Guilford.

We had visitors from the Black River, Chagrin Valley, and Mahoning Valley clubs.  It was nice to host them!

Many thanks to our secretary, Steve Spears, who got a good supply of door prizes in spite of tight economic conditions. Caffeine kudos to Ray and Lynn Paul, who brought a large coffee pot and fixings for coffee lovers.

Special thanks to Gail Korylak, who helped with the clean-up.  Gail cleaned all the tables, moved all the tables and chairs, and then vacuumed the floor.  Earlier during the dinner, she also set up and arranged the food table.  She did a great job.

Our thanks also, of course, to Jay Reynolds, who gave an interesting talk about Saturn and the Cassini Mission.

Photo: Astronomers setting up telescopes in early twilight. Photo by James Guilford
2011 Convention attendees set up their telescopes under the clear skies of early twilight. Photo by James Guilford.

The recent improvements to the park gave telescope owners the opportunity to park on solid pavement and set up their instruments on earth. Adding to the pleasure was the fact that skies over the park were the best they have been in many a year for the CAA’s event. It was a great night, indeed!