Out of This World

Size indeed matters at tonight’s Super Star Party at the Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation. The planet-gazing outing features members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society and their ginormous telescopes. “They’re massive -- about 12 to 14 inches across,” says naturalist Becky Parkin. “They really give you an eye-opening experience.”

Luckily, many experts will be on hand to help visitors identify all those specks in the sky. It’s even more crowded this time of year because of the Perseid meteor shower, which concludes this week, says Parkin. “It’s possible to see some action -- maybe even some planets and nebulas.” There’s also a hike, inflatable planetariums, and train rides. Plus, wildlife demonstrations highlight some of the nocturnal critters -- like raccoons, possums, and flying squirrels -- that folks might see tonight. “Ancient people were totally dependent on the night sky,” says Parkin. “These days, with all these gadgets, a lot of people don’t even look up.”
Sat., Aug. 18, 8 p.m.-midnight