Star Struck Programs
On April 8, 2024 a Total Solar Eclipse will pass through Toledo, Ohio. This is a rare treat that won’t happen in Ohio again until 2099, so you don’t want to miss the show.
Get ready for the eclipse and explore a variety of astronomy topics through Metroparks Star Struck programs.
Solar Viewing (All Ages)
Explore the star of our solar system, the sun, with a special solar viewing session of star struck. We'll have telescopes equipped with filters for solar viewing and enjoy family-friendly activities that explore the science of the sun. No registration required. This is an open-house style program; viewers may come and go as they please any time during the designated time frame. Recommended for ages five and up. No Reservations Required
- June 30, 1 to 3 p.m.
Wildwood Preserve, Parking Lot 7 (near the playground)
Partial Solar Eclipse (All Ages)
Get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse in April 2024 and check out this partial solar eclipse! Every so often the sun, Earth, and moon align just right to put on a show for us. Watch the moon slowly cross in front of the sun for a partial solar eclipse. Learn the science behind the spectacle of a solar eclipse from a naturalist and peer through a telescope with a special solar filter to enjoy the show. Eclipse glasses will be available to borrow. No registration necessary; this is an open-house style event, where participants may come and go at any time during the program time frame. Recommended for ages five and up. No Reservations Required
- October 14, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Glass City, sledding hill
Meteor Shower Viewings (All Ages)
Few events inspire awe and capture the imagination like the brilliant light show of a meteor shower. If cloud conditions allow, Metroparks hosts self-guided viewing opportunities to experience the dark skies at Howard Marsh Metropark and enjoy two of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseids (August) and the Geminids (December). These viewings will “pop-up” on short notice if there is a clear evening near the shower peak. These programs are open-house style; participants may come and go at any time during the time frame. No Reservations Required.
Keep an eye on the program calendar and Facebook several days before the following dates:
- August 12, Perseid Meteor Shower
- December 13, Geminid Meteor Shower
Star Party (All Ages)
Telescopes and night photography... this star party has it all! Escape from the light pollution of the big city and experience the wonder of dark, starry night skies. Join amateur astronomers from the Toledo Astronomical Association and peer through a telescope to get up close to the moon, planets, and other astronomy wonders. Night photography experts will be on-hand to coach novice photographers. No registration necessary; this is an open-house style event, where participants may come and go at any time during the program time frame. No Reservations Required.
- September 23, 8 to 10 p.m.
Blue Creek, Nona France Area
Deep Sky Objects (Adults and 12+)
Escape from the light pollution of the big city and experience the wonder of dark, starry night skies. Discover the stories in the stars as we constellation hop around the night sky with Metroparks naturalists, and get up close with planets, galaxies and distant objects with amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser and their telescopes. Reservations Required - Reservations open June 11
Location: Bend View, parking lot
- July 21, 10:30 to 11:30 pm
- August 18, 10:30 to 11:30 pm
- October 16, 8:30 to 9:30 pm
Solar System Tour (Adults and 12+)
Escape from the light pollution of the big city and experience the wonder of dark, starry night skies. Explore the solar system as we look at the moon and planets through a telescope and learn the science of our close celestial neighbors. Reservations Required - Reservations open June 11
- November 21, 8 to 9 p.m.
Howard Marsh, parking lot
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Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.