Cincinnati Observatory
Events at this venue
Gamma-Ray Bursts: The Universe’s Most Powerful Explosions
For a fraction of a second — or maybe a few minutes — a gamma-ray burst can outshine everything else in the observable universe combined. These staggering explosions were one of astronomy's greatest mysteries when first discovered, and even today they're keeping scientists up at night. We'll explore what causes these cosmic detonations, how astronomers […]
Star Wars Night: A Bird & Star-Friendly Skies Event
May the Fourth be with you… under the stars. Weather dependent, be sure to check Zoo and Observatory event pages day-of to confirm event status Join the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Observatory, and DarkSky Ohio at the Cincinnati Observatory for a one-of-a-kind evening where galaxies far, far away meet the wildlife right above […]
Pop-Up Planetarium Night at Madtree Brewing
Join us at Madtree Brewing (in the Barrel Room) to gaze at the stars and learn through hands-on fun in this astronomy-themed pop up. The Cincinnati Observatory will present planetarium shows in their inflatable planetarium, provide Jupiter-themed crafts and activities for kids, and end the night with Drunk Astronomy with Astronomer, Dr. Wes Ryle. There […]
Crowded Skies: Satellites and Space Debris
Earth is surrounded by thousands of active satellites—and millions of pieces of debris. This class explores how satellites power modern life, from communication to navigation, and the growing challenge of keeping orbit safe and sustainable. Discover the hidden world above our heads and what it means for the future of space exploration. Class level: Introductory […]
Adult Astronaut Academy at the Cincinnati Observatory
Join us for a fun and creative night out as we explore the science behind the equinoxes and solstices. Discover why there are two times each year when day and night are nearly equal in length, the equinoxes, and what’s happening in the months between as we move toward longer summer days or shorter winter […]
Omens in the Sky: Astronomical Superstitions and the Science Behind Them
For most of human history, the sky wasn’t just beautiful — it was a warning system. Comets meant disaster. Eclipses meant the Sun was under attack. A full Moon could drive people mad. Even certain dates, like the Ides of March, carried cosmic dread. In this program, we’ll explore famous superstitions tied to astronomical events […]
Sights Before Sunrise: Lunar Eclipse Edition
Early birds will be rewarded with a total lunar eclipse on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, and—weather permitting—the Cincinnati Observatory will open early to celebrate. Join us in the quiet hours before dawn to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights through our historic telescope. Doors open at 4:30 a.m., with the partial eclipse […]
Ladies Night Out: Exploring the Night Sky
Bears, Dogs and a Dragon are just a few of the winter constellations to discover as we explore the night sky at the famous Cincinnati Observatory in Mt. Lookout. On Saturday, January 24, from 6:00 - 7:45pm we start the evening with a brief presentation on navigating the wonders of space and "star-hopping" through the […]
Family Astronomy Night at the Cincinnati Observatory
Family Astronomy Night is our fun and interactive craft/activity night for families at the Cincinnati Observatory. A cross between our Cosmic Kids and Astronomy Evening programs, this program is geared for families with children 5-12 years old. The evening includes viewing through a telescope (if clear), a quick presentation on the theme for the evening, […]
From the Age of Earth to the End of Lead: The Dual Legacy of Clair Patterson
Clair Patterson was an American geochemist who was tasked with the project of using radioactive dating to measure the age of the Earth. The process involved comparing the concentrations of uranium and lead in rock samples, but Patterson quickly discovered that lead severely contaminated his laboratory. This realization began a lifelong crusade to combat environmental […]
Cincinnati Observatory Holiday Open House
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season at our Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 14th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM! This event is free and open to the public and packed with festive fun: Tours and Views: Enjoy complimentary tours of our telescopes and solar viewing (weather permitting). Holiday Shopping: Our […]
Soap Opera in the Sky – Astronomy Class at the Cincinnati Observatory
Guest Presenter: Samantha Pepper Stars have inspired great works of art and terrific scientific advancements, but the stories and myths associated with the constellations can be pretty bawdy. In this class we will learn about the salacious tales tied to our favorite constellations and the namesakes of some of the objects in our very own […]