The number of known planets orbiting other stars, or exoplanets, continues to increase each year. This class will take a look at the techniques used by astronomers to detect these worlds and examine some of the most interesting targets discovered to date. We’ll also take a look at what additional discoveries might be on the horizon with future missions.

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

Please note: This class is on a Wednesday.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class. Members $20/class

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

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.

Join us for our early-morning events in 2025, Sights Before Sunrise. These are clear-only events so we will let you know the day before if the event is a go. This program is for those who want to be the first to see objects that will be up later in the year at our typical viewing times. This event will include viewing through our historic Mitchel telescope of 1-2 planets and the
Moon. Coffee and donuts will be available.

$5/person, Free for members. If you would like to join our email list for cancellation notices, please fill out this form.

Like any profession, astronomy has numerous branches and subfields to explore. We’ll take a look at the different sides of astronomy, including astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, and interferometry, as well as how astronomers can specialize in observation, instrumentation, or theory. There are lots of ways to study the cosmos!

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

Tickets: Non-members $25/class. Members $20/class

A Comprehensive Tour of the Cincinnati Observatory

For 150 years the Cincinnati Observatory has explored the universe from our site in Mt. Lookout. But as the Birthplace of American Astronomy our history goes further back than that.

You’ll hear the fascinating history of the founding of the observatory and learn why 30 years earlier John Quincy Adams traveled to Cincinnati to lay the original cornerstone. We'll explore our two grand telescopes, tour the museum, and take a peek behind the scenes. Learn about the work of our astronomers including their contributions to time-keeping, weather forecasting, World War II and the early space race. Weather permitting we'll treat you to spectacular views of the Moon through the oldest continuously used telescope in the world.

Tickets: $30/person non-member, $25/person members 

Aliens, Atoms and Allegories!: Cold War Influences in Science Fiction

Fear! Paranoia! World annihilation? Colonies in Space? This presentation explores themes in Science Fiction during the Cold War and how anxieties and technology influenced the genre through allegorical narratives. Iconic films, literature, and media were a powerful tool for self-expression, propaganda and the explanation of the unknown.

Tickets: Non-members $15 / $5 child / Free for Members

Walk-ins welcome!

Join us for the final Cosmic Kids, at least until next fall!

Comets, meteors, and asteroids, oh my! Join the Observatory to learn about the different types of space rocks. Together we will make an Earthbound comet and you might even get to touch something that is out of this world.

• Grades K, 1, 2 classes meet 9:30 - 10:30am
• Grades 3, 4, 5 classes meet 11:00am - 12:00pm

Single Class Tickets:

$12.00 per class non-member
$10.00 per class member

You may also decide to stay with your child for the class or drop them off and pick them up after, parents will not be charged as participants. Not sure which session would be best? Give us a call 513-321-5186.

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.

Black holes remain one of the most fascinating subjects in astronomy due to their extreme and bizarre properties. This class will explore the theoretical prediction of black holes and their detection in nature, from the Cygus X-1 binary system to the supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, including our own. Take a dive into the event horizon and beyond!

Class level: Intermediate - This class is recommended for guests with some science and mathematical background and will incorporate some mathematical equations and concepts.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class. Members $20/class

Join us for a fun night at the Cincinnati Observatory, under the stars! The Cincinnati Observatory has the oldest public telescope in the United States and is the center for Astronomy Education in the region. Several of our community partners will be joining us for some out of this world fun! The event will include dinner, a tour of the telescopes with viewing of the Sun if weather permits, and several exciting STEAM activities for the whole family!

Tickets are free and exclusively available via a CHPL Discovery Pass. Get yours here! 

Journey to the stars and indulge in an afternoon of refined elegance at our Afternoon Tea at the Cincinnati Observatory. Nestled amidst the historic domes and telescopes, you'll experience a truly unique tea party, blending the wonders of the cosmos with the comforting ritual of afternoon tea. A presentation on Victorian era tea and dress etiquette at the Cincinnati Observatory in the Victorian age will take you back in time and place you amongst the many distinguished guests who came to visit.

Our carefully curated menu features a selection of captivating loose leaf tea from Churchill's Fine Teas, a renowned local Cincinnati tea brand, chosen to complement the serene and inspiring atmosphere. Your ticket includes tea, light bites, and a celestial-inspired goodie bag to take home.

Tickets:  $60/person

Explore our solar system on a guided Planet Walk tour! Starting at our Sun marker, you'll step through the inner planets before venturing out to the gas giants and beyond. Each footstep represents 8.2 million miles, culminating in a 450-foot walk to Pluto. Join us for a cosmic journey through the solar system!

Tickets: $15 non-member/$10 kids/Free for Members

The cost is $30 per person. Price includes materials for the activity, snacks, and drinks. Recommended for ages 12+. 

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.  Please note: May is SOLD OUT.

Need a guide for night sky viewing in the heat of summer? While the nights are short, they are warm and there is a wide variety of celestial targets to enjoy! From the Ring Nebula in Lyra to the Andromeda galaxy, we’ll examine what’s up in the summer sky and some of the science behind our favorite objects.

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

Pricing details:  Non-members $25/class.   Members $20/class

The Cincinnati Observatory is excited to host our 5th annual Pride Night. The event includes access to the Observatory and grounds with activities presented by the observatory staff and volunteers. Activities include face painting, a glitter bar, yoga, and more! There will be Local LGBTQ organizations sharing information. Join Astronomer Dr. Wes Ryle to learn about the science of rainbows. All guests will leave with more knowledge of the LGBTQ community in Cincinnati and some special pride goodies! The evening will also include solar viewing, weather permitting.

Tickets: $12/adults, $7/kids and members

Guest Presenter: Chuck Strubbe

So, you want to get started finding objects in the night sky with a telescope, binoculars or just your eyes. Or, you bought that telescope and tried and tried to find stuff up there, but frustration crept in and now, that telescope is in the basement or the closet or the attic. This is the class for you! This class will explore all the ways you can get involved in astronomy, the pitfalls along the way and how to keep looking up.

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

Pricing details:  Non-members $20/class.  Members $15/class

Aliens, Atoms and Allegories!: Cold War Influences in Science Fiction

Fear! Paranoia! World annihilation? Colonies in Space? This presentation explores themes in Science Fiction during the Cold War and how anxieties and technology influenced the genre through allegorical narratives. Iconic films, literature, and media were a powerful tool for self-expression, propaganda and the explanation of the unknown.

Non-members - $20 / Children $5 / Members $15

Walk-ins welcome!