Events

image from stonelick

Stonelick Star Gazes

(Please read our COVID-19 policy below)

Ohio's Stonelick State Park hosts The Friends of the Observatory's Dark Sky Viewing Site. The park is situated far enough from light polluted suburbs to allow dark skies, yet close enough to the Cincinnati Metro area to attract hundreds of interested star gazers throughout the year. On Saturday's, near the New Moon, amateur astronomers set up a variety of telescopes inviting the public to view the wonders of the night sky. The events are free and open to the public.

This is a great opportunity to view planets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and stars. It is also a good opportunity to see many different types of telescopes in action, ask questions and become involved in the fascinating world of astronomy. Amateur astronomers are more than willing to have you look through their telescopes as well as help you with your personal telescope.

Free stargazes at Stonelick State Park are held only if the skies are clear.  Updates are posted on the Stonelick Star Gazers Facebook page.

Throughout the year we also hold many special stargazes and programs. For more information visit our Facebook page, email Dean Regas at dean@cincinnatiobservatory.org or call the Observatory at 513-321-5186.

2021 Schedule - Saturday Nights, After Dark

  • January 9
  • January 16
  • February 6
  • February 13
  • March 6
  • March 13
  • April 3
  • April 10
  • May 1
  • May 8
  • June 5
  • June 12
  • July 3
  • July 10
  • July 31
  • August 7
  • August 12 (Perseids)
  • August 28
  • September 4
  • September 25
  • October 2
  • October 30
  • November 6
  • November 27
  • December 4

 Click Here for a Printable Schedule and Directions

COVID-19 Information for Visitors to Stonelick

Since Stonelick State Park is a state of Ohio facility please follow these protocols set forth by the State of Ohio to minimize the risk of transmission.

  1. Please maintain a six-foot social distancing between yourself and other participants when not viewing through the telescopes. 

  2. Please practice cleanliness by washing your hands when possible and bringing hand sanitizer with you.

  3. Face Masks are strongly encouraged for visitors to the park. 

  4. Please stay home if you feel unwell or display symptoms associated with COVID-19.

DIRECTIONS

  • Take Columbia Parkway (US 50) east through Milford.
  • Turn left on SR-131 and go past Pleasant Hill, Buckwheat, and SR-132.
  • Turn left on to SR-727 (about 2 miles past 132) toward Stonelick Lake State Park.
  • Turn right at the Park entrance and go toward the Beach.

Click here for driving directions.

 We set up in the parking lot just before the swimming beach main lot.

When: We set up around dusk. There are picnic areas, the lake and swim beach to enjoy if you'd like to arrive early and enjoy all the park has to offer. www.dnr.state.oh.us/

Weather: All Stargazes are Weather Dependent.
For more information call the Observatory 513 321-5186
Updates are posted on Facebook / Stonelick Stargazers

PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR DEER

Coordinates For Stonelick Parking Lot:
39.2189 North Latitude  - 84.0768 West Longitude