Cincinnati Observatory
Events at this venue
Scope Out 2026 at the Cincinnati Observatory
The stars are calling, and Cincinnati Observatory is answering with Scope Out, our annual celebration of everything astronomy! Telescopes of every shape and size will fill the grounds as regional stargazers and astrophotographers gather to share their setups and swap stories about the sky. Bring your questions to our telescope workshop, where our team can […]
Seeing Double: The Observatory’s Double Star Studies – Astronomy Class
Presenter: Dr. Wes Ryle What looks like a single star to the naked eye often turns out to be two or more when examined with a telescope. These “double stars” have deep ties to the past research of the Cincinnati Observatory. Our founder, Ormsby Mitchel, is credited with the discovery of the prominent star Antares […]
Partial Lunar Eclipse Viewing at the Cincinnati Observatory
Join us at the observatory for telescope views of a partial lunar eclipse! The visible portion of the eclipse begins at 10:33PM as the Moon enters the Earth's shadow. At 12:12AM, the Moon will be 96% eclipsed, turning a deep red color commonly referred to as a "blood Moon". No registration required. A suggested donation […]
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, […]