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Events

Astronomy Evenings

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

 

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Holiday Open House at the Observatory

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The Cincinnati Observatory welcomes in the holiday season with a special open house event! We will be open for tours, safe solar viewing (weather permitting), holiday refreshments, and shopping in our out-of-this-world gift shop! This year we will have gift baskets, perfect for space enthusiasts, big and small. We will also be joined by other local vendors selling their space-themed holiday decor and gifts. And be sure to take a holiday photo by the Observatory’s special Galaxy Tree. 

Admission is free.

Movements of the Earth and Stars

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The first day of winter, also known as the winter solstice, happens every year around December 21st. Today we mark the occasion with winter holidays and festivities, but how did this come to be? What motions are responsible for the holidays we celebrate today? For this class, Program Educator Eric Harris takes you through Earth’s dynamic orbit, movements of the Sun and stars in the sky, and how humanity has observed these motions for thousands of years.
 
Tickets: $20/person

Virtual Cosmic Kids

4:30 pm

Our Online Astronomy Club

For Kids Grades K-5th

Join us for a virtual Cosmic Kids club in 2023. These classes are free of charge (donations are appreciated), but registration is required. Dates and topics are below.

  • November 15 - Space Rockets
  • December 13 - Stars of Harry Potter

For each class we’ll send out a link to a Zoom meeting and a list of suggested materials. Classes will take place from 4:30-5:30pm.  Sign up for 1, 2, or all.

Mommy and Me Craft Day

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Cincinnati Observatory welcomes in the holiday season with a special Mommy and Me Craft Day! The program will include 2 crafts, tours, safe solar viewing (weather permitting), and holiday refreshments! And be sure to take a holiday photo by the Observatory’s special Galaxy Tree. Great for ages 4+.

Tickets - $20 for one adult + child/$5 for each additional child

Late Night Date Night

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

 

Space is limited to no more than 40 people. Adults Only. Singles welcome.

Winter Break Camp

Camp Cosmos 

 

Join the Cincinnati Observatory for an out of this world winter break camp! We’ll rocket around the universe learning about planets, space rocks, nebulas and more all from the comfort of the Observatory. Snacks will be provided but campers are required to bring their own lunch and water bottle. Don’t forget to bring weather appropriate clothing and footwear, as part of our fun will include exploring the Observatory’s outdoor planet walk!

 

Please note: There are different age groups with different times.

 

Dates: 12/18/23 and 12/19/23

Ages: 1st-2nd grade

Times: 9-5 (drop-off starts at 8:45 am, campers must be picked up no later than 5:15 pm)

Cost: $150.00



Dates: 12/20/23-12/22/23

Ages: 3rd-5th grade

Times: 9-5 (drop-off starts at 8:45 am, campers must be picked up no later than 5:15 pm)

Cost: $200.00

 

Note, there is no before or after care for Winter Break Camp

Family Astronomy Night

7:00 pm
Family Astronomy Night is our new fun and interactive craft/activity night for families at the Cincinnati Observatory. If you have enjoyed our Cosmic Kids or Astronomy Night programs, this is for you! Geared for families with children 5-12 years old, Family Astronomy Night will include viewing through a telescope (if clear), a tour of the Observatory, and a hands-on space activity or craft. It will be fun for the whole family.
 
 

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

 

Space is limited. Sign up today.

History Bites - Lunchtime Program

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Chasing the Eclipse: Snapshots of the Past 

This lunch hour presentation will take you through the photographic journey of past expeditions to chase eclipses by Cincinnati Observatory directors, employees, colleagues and their families. From the 1869 expedition to the far reaches of the Dakota Territory that led to the historical first efforts in astrophotography to document eclipses and on to a 1932 expedition to New Hampshire filled with family, joy and young love. Join Mandy Askins, Assistant Collections Manager, at the Cincinnati Observatory as she takes you through the Observatory's picturesque past of chasing eclipses with historical images from the Observatory's vast photography collections. 

Observatory exhibits, gift shop, and its buildings and grounds will be open during and after the presentation. Weather permitting, we’ll have solar viewing through our historic 1845 Merz and Mahler 11” refracting telescope in the adjacent Mitchel Building after the presentation.

$10 for non-members, Free for Members

Registration is required. Space is limited

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