JOHN GLENN ASTRONOMY PARK (JGAP)

The John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is dedicated to sparking an interest in science, learning, and exploration by sharing with visitors the wonders of the sky, both day and night. If you have an interest in the night sky and the beauty of the stars, certainly check out the JGAP while you're in the hills.

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ABOUT THE JOHN GLENN ASTRONOMY PARK

The building of an astronomy park in the Hocking Hills State Park was inspired by our ever-vanishing view of the night sky in modern urban settings. The Hocking Hills, in rural southeastern Ohio, is one of the few areas left in the state of Ohio where the night sky can be seen clearly without being obscured by light pollution from the cities. The observatory provides a venue for visitors to the Hocking Hills State Park to experience the night sky through a large telescope and with their eyes.

The observatory also draws on the countless generations of humans who marked the important changes of the seasons through the motion of the sun and who built great structures, like Stonehenge in England, the Chaco Canyon Kiva in New Mexico or many Hopewell and Fort Ancient Earthworks in Ohio, that commemorated these days. The plaza has been designed to allow the rays of the sun to fall upon a special central point on the first day of each of the four seasons.

“The greatest thing we can do is inspire young minds…”
– JOHN GLENN

The JGAP is named for John Glenn, an inspiring man who was a military pilot, US Senator for Ohio, and famously the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth.

INFO

Park Office

Park Location

  • 20531 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Hours

  • 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (except for special events)

Park GPS Coordinates

  • Lattidude: 39.433226
  • Longitude: -82.55412

Features

  • The entrance to the John Glenn Astronomy Park is about 0.9 miles to the West of the Old Man's Cave Visitor's Center along route 664. Most visitors will take route 33 to Logan Ohio and exit on Route 664. The Hocking Hills State Park is 11 winding miles down this road.

VISITING THE JOHN GLENN ASTRONOMY PARK

The JGAP is open all hours of the day all year long, and is completely free to the public. Visiting the John Glenn Astronomy Park is a beautiful experience at any time of the day. When you visit the park at night, you will have access to their 28-inch telescope in the roll-off roof observatory or the option to set up your own telescope and gear. If the moon, planets, stars, and galaxies are within view, you are sure to see them! Night programs begin at sunset.

VISIT THE JOHN GLENN ASTRONOMY PARK

The John Glenn Astronomy Park is a state-of-the-art facility located in Hocking Hills, Ohio, dedicated to promoting science education, astronomy, and space exploration. Named after John Glenn, the famous astronaut and former U.S. senator from Ohio, the park is a tribute to his pioneering spirit and love for science.

The park features a modern observatory with a 28-inch telescope that provides visitors with breathtaking views of the night sky, along with several smaller telescopes for public use. The facility also includes a planetarium that offers a range of educational programs and presentations, as well as outdoor stargazing events that allow visitors to experience the wonder and beauty of the night sky.

In addition to its impressive astronomical facilities, the park is also home to several hiking trails that wind through the stunning landscapes of Hocking Hills. Visitors can explore the park’s natural beauty during the day and then enjoy the wonders of the night sky in the evening.

The John Glenn Astronomy Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science, astronomy, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. With its world-class facilities, knowledgeable staff, and stunning location, the park offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the universe and learn more about our place in the cosmos.

If you visit the park during the day, you’ll get to look out at the Earth’s closest star: the sun. JGAP’s telescopes are outfitted with special filters so you can view the sun during the day for a whole new view of our solar powerhouse.  Plus, you can learn all about the solar system at the exhibits and activities found around the park.

For more information about the John Glenn Astronomy Park,
including information on donating to the non-profit that operates the park, visit jgap.info.