September is one of my favorite months to be outdoors in Northeast Ohio. Summer hasn’t completely disappeared, but cooler evenings are starting to arrive. That combination makes it a great time to grab a blanket, turn off the screens, and spend an evening stargazing.
You don’t need a telescope or any astronomy experience to get started. Find a safe, open spot with as little artificial light as possible, settle into a lawn chair or blanket, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Your own backyard may be all you need.
Make it a family challenge by seeing who can spot the first satellite or identify a familiar constellation. A stargazing app can help you figure out exactly what you’re seeing, although there’s something nice about putting the phone away and simply looking up.
September evenings can get chilly surprisingly quickly, so bring a sweatshirt or light jacket even if the afternoon was warm. A thermos of hot chocolate doesn’t hurt, either!
If you venture away from home, choose a public area where nighttime access is specifically permitted. Many parks close at or shortly after dusk, so always check hours before planning an evening visit.
Finally, don’t worry if Bedford’s lights prevent you from seeing every star. Stargazing isn’t about finding the darkest sky imaginable. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice what’s overhead.
As summer gives way to fall, spend one September evening outside. You might be surprised by just how much there is to see.
