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Events

Jupiter Night

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The king of the planets is returning to our evening skies! Join the Cincinnati Observatory to celebrate Jupiter, its storm-filled atmosphere, and its amazing system of moons. 

Event Highlights:

  • Jupiter Scavenger Hunt
  • Talks about Jupiter and the Europa Clipper Mission
  • Learn more about Jupiter’s many moons
  • Pin the Spot on Jupiter
  • Solar System Storytime
Telescope Viewing (weather permitting)

Cost: $12 for adults, $7 for children/members

Pre-registration available or pay at the door.
 

Astronomy Evenings

7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm

Weekly Public Program

Astronomy Evening at the Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect program to get acquainted with all of the offerings of your local observatory. Located in picturesque Mount Lookout on the East Side of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest one of its kind in the country that still uses its original telescope from 1845, and now you too will get to participate.

 

This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Tours of our historic buildings and viewing through our telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

 

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  November is SOLD OUT.

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Class Series 4: Galactic Astronomy

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Cincinnati Observatory is continuing its new lineup of classes instructed by astronomer Dr. Wes Ryle. Each series consists of three self-contained courses that share a common theme. Pick your favorite individual topic or sign up for the entire series at a discount for a more complete picture. Courses are intended for astronomy enthusiasts ages 14 and up. Participants under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
 
Galactic Astronomy Series - Our galaxy is made up of gas, dust, and billions of stars and is over 100,000 light-years in size. However, it is but one of countless galaxies in the known Universe. This series will explore our own galaxy, the Milky Way, how it compares to the multitude of other galaxies out there, and how galaxy interactions fuel some of the most energetic objects in the cosmos.
 
Our Galactic Home: The Milky Way
November 12th, 7-8:30pm
 
Galaxies Galore!
November 19th, 7-8:30pm
Like stars within our Milky Way, our Universe is littered with galaxies of varying shapes, sizes, and composition. This class will compare and contrast spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies, galaxy clusters, and evidence for dark matter.
 
Active Galaxies and Galaxy Interactions
November 26th, 7-8:30pm
Some galaxies, like our own Milky Way, are relatively quiet despite having a supermassive black hole at their center. However, when material is actively swirling into the center of a galaxy, there can be a variety of interesting phenomena, like relativistic jets and rapid variability. This course will examine our ever-evolving understanding of these astronomical powerhouses.
 
Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Ticket Information:
 
Non-members
$25/class
 
Members
$20/class

The Past and Present of Weather Forecasting

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
On December 3rd, we celebrate the 186th birthday of the Cincinnati Observatory's second director and pioneer of weather forecasting, Cleveland Abbe. Thanks to his system of telegraphic weather reports, we now have the National Weather Service - and today we can predict weather conditions nearly a week in advance. This can even help us predict whether we can use a telescope on any given night. In this class presented by Program Educator Eric Harris, we will discuss some of the history of weather forecasting, including key developments made by Cleveland Abbe and the techniques that can be used to predict conditions for viewing through telescopes. The class includes a tour of the Observatory and viewing (if clear).
 
Tickets: $25 for non-members, $20 for members.

Trivia Night for Space Enthusiasts

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Calling all space nerds and pop culture enthusiasts! Think you know your stuff? Grab your crew and join us on December 10, 7 pm for Trivia Night at the Cincinnati Observatory. We will have a special round that highlights the women in our next exhibit so consider visiting ahead of time to study up. The top three teams will win an out-of-this-world prize!

Trivia tickets include pizza and non-alcoholic beverages.


Tickets: $40/team, up to 6 people, $10/individual

 

21+ please

History Bites

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Ask an Archivist: Highlights From Our Collections

 

In this class, our Assistant Collections Manager, Mandy Askins will highlight artifacts from our vast historical collections spanning over 180 years of history. Many of these artifacts are not seen by the public, so you will get a sneak peek into the Observatory’s holdings and history! You will also get a chance to ask her anything about archives, collections and conservation or how to preserve your own history at home.

 

No registration needed. Walk-ins welcome!

 

Suggested donation at door $10.

Family Astronomy Night

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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, and a hands-on space activity or craft. An entertaining evening for the whole family.
 
Themes:   December 12 - Jupiter
                  December 28 (yup, there are 2 in December) - Winter Constellations
 

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE for Observatory Members 

Late Night Date Night

10:00 pm
10:00 pm

At the Cincinnati Observatory

Looking for a romantic night out and under the stars? Come see what the Observatory is like after hours. You'll get to use telescopes to view astronomical objects that are not visible until late at night (weather permitting). Get a sneak preview of the next season's planets and stars a month or two ahead of everyone else.

 

The program runs rain or shine. If the weather does not permit viewing, we'll have fun showing you around the universe and behind the scenes at the Observatory.

 

Tickets: $30 per person  November is SOLD OUT! 

21+ Only. Singles welcome.

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