On August 21, the USA will play host to the most spectacular natural phenomenon that a person can witness: a total solar eclipse, when the sun is completely blocked by the light of the moon.

People in Ohio will experience only a partial eclipse, and, without optical aid, will likely not notice much of a difference.    People who visit the path of Totality, where the sun is briefly blocked by the moon, will experience day turn to night.   

The closest point to the John Glenn Astronomy Park is southern Kentucky.  Be sure to plan ahead, as many others will undoubtedly be making the trek to see this astounding, and fairly rare, event!

Around August 12, the "Old Faithful" of meteor showers, the Perseids, will reach its peak.  Observers under dark skies will be able to see between 10 and 100 meteors per hour.

All you need to see this is a lawn chair, perhaps some bug spray, and your own two eyes.   Lay back, enjoy the view, and just look, you're bound to see a few.  

Begin watching for meteors at around 11:00 p.m.  The Earth is pointed most directly into the path of the meteors after midnight.   Note, however, the moon rises at around midnight on the morning of the 13th, washing out the sky somewhat and making the faintest meteors a bit harder to see.   

But, it's still worth it!

 

NASA