The Birthplace of American Astronomy
See through the oldest public telescope in the country.
Welcome to the
Cincinnati
Observatory
We are a fully functioning 19th century observatory and a National Historic Landmark used daily by the public and amateur astronomers, civic organizations, teachers and students, scouts and history buffs.
Visiting the Observatory
We are open Daytime Hours to see the historic buildings and telescopes, Monday-Friday from Noon-4pm with tours at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
And Visit Us in the Evening to view through the telescopes to see the Moon, stars, and planets every Thursday and Friday night at 8:30pm
175th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
November 8, 2018, 6-9pm
The Observatory is celebrating 175 years since the laying of our cornerstone!
More info here
INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE-THE-MOON NIGHT
Saturday October 20, 7-9pm
Everyone around the world, that night will look up and see the same Moon. There's no better place to observe it.
METEORITE NIGHT
Saturday November 17, 7-9pm
See, touch, and buy real rocks from asteroids, the Moon and Mars
Join Us
Join, donate, and volunteer to make the "Birthplace of American Astronomy" a vibrant center for education and wonder
Public Events
See "What's Up" at the Observatory. Each season has a new planet, star cluster, or nebula to explore
School Programs
Plan a field trip, schedule an outreach visit to your classroom, or gather the scouts for an evening at the Observatory