Year-around & Special Events at the Observatory

For information on the very latest programs
and classes at the Cincinnati Observatory Center click here.

Also be sure to check
for regional science & nature events.

Educational Outreach & Group Presentations!
You decide, we'll be your guide.

Groups, scheduled daytime and evenings. School groups (K-12 & above), scouts, church groups, civic groups and clubs, everyone!

Astronomy Thursdays!
Astronomy Fridays!
Astronomy Saturdays!
Come out and see the stars!

Continuing the tradition of the original Cincinnati Astronomical Society, the Cincinnati Observatory Center presents free lectures and telescope viewing on most Thursday and Friday evenings. The Observatory is also open for public stargazing on many Saturday nights.
Call for the current schedule, start times and to register.

FOTO volunteers present a short lecture on one of the many fascinating topics of astronomy.

You'll be escorted on a historical tour of the observatory, including the oldest operational telescope in the country. You'll learn about the role that Cincinnati has played in the growth of astronomy in the United States.

Then (weather permitting) the 11" Merz und Mahler refracting telescope or the 16" Alvan Clark and Sons refractor will be turned toward a number of amazing celestial objects, such as double stars, planets, the moon, galaxies, nebulas and the occasional comet.
Programs are held rain or shine. You never know about the weather in Cincinnati and it does not have to be a completely clear night to permit viewing.

Astronomy Thursdays are free. Donations are always encouraged.
Astronomy Fridays & Saturdays are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 18.
Reservations are required for all three evenings.
Astronomy evenings book up many weeks in advance, so register soon.

If the weather does not allow viewing, the presenters will offer an extended questions & answer session, tours of the two wonderful observatory buildings and show off our two magnificent telescopes. All will just whet your appetite for a return visit!

	*Year-around & Special Events* *at the Observatory* For information on the very latest programs and classes at the Cincinnati Observatory Center click here. Also be sure to check for regional science & nature events. Educational Outreach & Group Presentations! You decide, we'll be your guide. Groups, scheduled daytime and evenings. School groups (K-12 & above), scouts, church groups, civic groups and clubs, everyone! For more information visit on Education page or contact COC Outreach Astronomer Dean Regas at the Observatory (321-5186) or deanobservatory@zoomtown.com . Astronomy Thursdays! Astronomy Fridays! Astronomy Saturdays! Come out and see the stars! Continuing the tradition of the original Cincinnati Astronomical Society, the Cincinnati Observatory Center presents free lectures and telescope viewing on most Thursday and Friday evenings. The Observatory is also open for public stargazing on many Saturday nights. Call for the current schedule, start times and to register. FOTO volunteers present a short lecture on one of the many fascinating topics of astronomy. You'll be escorted on a historical tour of the observatory, including the oldest operational telescope in the country. You'll learn about the role that Cincinnati has played in the growth of astronomy in the United States. Then (weather permitting) the 11" Merz und Mahler refracting telescope or the 16" Alvan Clark and Sons refractor will be turned toward a number of amazing celestial objects, such as double stars, planets, the moon, galaxies, nebulas and the occasional comet. Programs are held rain or shine. You never know about the weather in Cincinnati and it does not have to be a completely clear night to permit viewing. Astronomy Thursdays are free. Donations are always encouraged. Astronomy Fridays & Saturdays are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 18. Reservations are required for all three evenings. Astronomy evenings book up many weeks in advance, so register soon. If the weather does not allow viewing, the presenters will offer an extended questions & answer session, tours of the two wonderful observatory buildings and show off our two magnificent telescopes. All will just whet your appetite for a return visit! Please call Craig Niemi at the Observatory (321-5186) to register.
	Sunday Historical Tours of the Observatory Center! Expanded historical tours of the Cincinnati Observatory every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoon of the month. From its inception in 1842, the Cincinnati Observatory has served Cincinnati, and the nation, in a wide variety of ways. Learn how Mt. Adams got its name; the role the Observatory played in Cincinnati's commerce, the scientific discoveries, and the beginnings of the National Weather Service. Explore the history of the observatory's architecture and the citizens of Cincinnati who made the observatory possible. A great many of the names will be familiar to you, others may surprise you. Please call Craig Niemi at the Observatory (321-5186) for more information.
	FOTO Public Star Gazes at Stonelick Lake! An excellent opportunity to learn about the night sky and astronomical telescopes. Unless otherwise noted, all observing events will be at Stonelick Lake State Park, northeast of Milford, Ohio. FOTO volunteers have been setting up their telescopes and binoculars around dusk, but there are grills, picnic tables, and a beach nearby if you'd like to arrive early, or make a day of it. Free. For updates or information call Scott Naylor at 575-5556 or the Observatory 321-5186. Click here for the complete schedule and a map to Stonelick Lake.
	FOTOKids! A club for 9 to 14 year old aspiring astronomers. Meets the first Friday of the month at the Observatory Center. Presentations and interactive learning opportunities for all levels of experience. Please email Chuck Strubbe, or call the Observatory at 321-5186 for more information.
	UC Communiversity Classes! Your Path to Lifelong Learning Join people with similar interests as you broaden your horizons, develop a new talent or interest, or acquire skills designed to help you succeed. Classes are noncredit, short term, affordable, informal, and pressure free (no exams or homework).Hundreds of classes are offered year-round. Offered through the University of Cincinnati, classes are taught by the COC Astronomy staff and held at the Cincinnati Observatory Center. For course information and to register, please call UC Communiversity (513) 556-6932 or visit UC's Communiversity website.
	Rent the Observatory Center! A perfect spot for any occasion! The Observatory and grounds are available for a wide variety of events; weddings, reunions, cocktail parties, catered dinners, business, motivational meetings, etc. Please call Craig Niemi at the Observatory (321-5186) to register.