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.  

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Embark on a romantic celestial journey with our "Late Night Date Night" at the Cincinnati Observatory. Couples will enjoy a star-filled evening complete with guided stargazing through historic telescopes (weather permitting), an intimate astronomy talk, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for making memories under the night sky. Whether it’s a first date or a special anniversary, this enchanting evening promises to bring the magic of the cosmos a little closer. Ticket price includes admission for two, mocktails, and dessert. 

Tickets: $80 per couple  18+ Only.  

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 solar system!  Once we've learned about the soap operas playing themselves out across the night sky, we'll also learn how to identify a few of the prominent constellations.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:

Non-members - $20/class

Members - $15/class

Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Image credit: Jacques-Louis David

Space, Shopping, and Snacks!

• Tours and Views: Enjoy complimentary tours of our telescopes and solar viewing (weather permitting).
• Holiday Shopping: Our Gift Shop will be open for you to find the perfect present for the astronomy enthusiast! Plus, browse unique offerings from local vendors, many featuring space-themed gifts. We also have raffle baskets that will make great gifts!
• Festive Music: Listen to the wonderful sounds of the season with carolers from the Young Professionals Choral Collective.
• Kid's Ornament Crafting: Younger guests can get creative by purchasing one of our specia activity kits to make their own holiday ornaments and handmade gifts. Options range from basic wooden ornaments to nebulas in a jar. Kits are priced from $2 to $8. You can pre-order your kits for convenient pickup or crafting during the event.
• Snacks and Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary holiday themed snacks while you celebrate and drinks will be for purchase from Travelin’ Toms.

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 lead poisoning by taking on the oil industry and their use of leaded gasoline. This class will overview the work of this often unsung hero.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:

Non-members - $25/class

Members - $20/class

Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Image credit: California Institute of Technology

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

Stories From Our History

This special program offers those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a more detailed, in-depth guided tour at Noon or 1:30pm. All the wonderful details covered in a Daytime Tour are included - as well as more stories of how the Observatory came to be (and almost didn’t!). You'll also discover the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping as well as visit our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more! Tours last approximately one hour with plenty of time for questions and some behind-the-scenes fun! Perfect for local history, astronomy and science buffs ages 12 and up.

General Admission $10 (recommended for kids 12+), $5/senior, $5/veteran, FREE for Observatory members

Space is limited.  Advanced reservations are recommended.