An astronomy park dedicated to the late U.S. Senator and astronaut was in the making almost two years before his passing last December. Now, the site will serve as a tribute by inspiring future generations of night sky gazers and explorers. <\/p>\n
An organizer of the project, Omie Warner, says their efforts have received added support since Glenn's passing. Private donors have raised about 60 percent of their $1.6 million goal, allowing them to begin construction early this spring. Warner says the park will be completed by October or November. <\/p>\n
Set in the wilderness of the Hocking Hills, the public park will include space for stargazing and eventually a telescope for Ohio State University researchers. <\/p>\n
OSU astrophysicist Paul Sutter says Hocking Hills State Park is relatively free of light pollution and is in one of the darkest parts of Ohio. <\/p>\n
If you want to see the night sky as it really is, says Sutter, this is your best bet. <\/p>\n
\"And so to have a park there, an observatory there, it makes perfect sense,\" Sutter says. <\/p>\n
Sutter says he hopes to have the site designated as a dark sky preserve. In the same way a wild life refuge protects animals, this designation ensures surrounding developments don't drown out the night sky with light pollution. <\/p>\n
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In Memory Of John Glenn, An Astronomy Park Takes Shape - WOSU<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" An astronomy park dedicated to the late U.S. Senator and astronaut was in the making almost two years before his passing last December. Now, the site will serve as a tribute by inspiring future generations of night sky gazers and explorers. Continue reading