The stars are calling, and Cincinnati Observatory is answering with Scope Out, our annual celebration of everything astronomy! Telescopes of every shape and size will fill the grounds as regional stargazers and astrophotographers gather to share their setups and swap stories about the sky. Bring your questions to our telescope workshop, where our team can help you pick out your first scope, get more out of the one you've got, or troubleshoot minor repairs and maintenance. Don't forget to enter the raffle for a chance to walk away with a brand-new telescope of your own. Round out the day with food truck favorites, live presentations, and activities designed to get kids excited about space. No experience required — just curiosity and a love of the night sky. Telescopic views of the Moon, Saturn, and more - weather permitting.

Presenter: Dr. Wes Ryle

What looks like a single star to the naked eye often turns out to be two or more when examined with a telescope. These “double stars” have deep ties to the past research of the Cincinnati Observatory. Our founder, Ormsby Mitchel, is credited with the discovery of the prominent star Antares as a double. Learn about these cosmic pairs and the science behind their shared presence in the sky.

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: Jaspal Chadha

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. Hands-on tour of our 1845 Mitchel telescope and viewing through the telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  August dates are SOLD OUT.

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.  August is SOLD OUT. 

Presenter: Dr. Wes Ryle

Somewhere in the constellation Corona Borealis, a white dwarf has spent decades quietly siphoning material from its red giant companion — and when it finally reaches its breaking point, the resulting explosion will briefly rival the North Star in brightness. Astronomers have been watching T Coronae Borealis, nicknamed the "Blaze Star," all year for an eruption that's been building since its last outburst in 1946, itself almost exactly 80 years after the one before it in 1866. It could ignite any night now — possibly even before we gather for class. Learn the physics behind this rare stellar explosion, how to spot it for yourself once it happens, and why astronomers can be so confident it's coming without knowing the exact night.  

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: NASA

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!

The planet walk is on grassy and slightly uneven terrain. Not suitable for most strollers or wheelchairs.

Tickets: $10 non-member/$5 kids/Free for Members

Walk-ins welcome!

We are pleased to be participating in Ohio Open Doors with our Walk-up Wednesdays.

The Cincinnati Observatory has a rich history dating back to November 9, 1843, when former U.S. President John Quincy Adams, at age 77, delivered a speech and laid the cornerstone atop Mount Adams. Since that founding, the Observatory has been dedicated to sharing astronomical views with Cincinnatians and visitors from around the world. Join us to celebrate almost 183 years of astronomical and historical significance with FREE access to our Mitchel telescope and grounds. Solar viewing will also be provided through our 180 year old Mitchel Telescope, weather permitting. Guests are welcome to stop by anytime from Noon-2pm and no reservations are required.

Presenter: Dr. Wes Ryle

The ringed planet is returning to our evening skies! A favorite for many celestial observers, Saturn’s rings are once again becoming visible as the planet moves out of the “edge-on” period experienced last year. Learn about our exploration of this remote gas giant planet, its icy rings, and its fascinating moons at this informal class.

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: NASA

Tickets: $10/person, $30/family (children under 4 free)

Walk-ins welcome!

Come and paint with us at the Cincinnati Observatory!

Join us for a fun and creative night out where we'll learn how to paint a beautiful space-related masterpiece. You don't need any experience to join - each step of the painting process will be guided by Sarah Hellmann from Art for All People. Plus, enjoy delicious light bites while creating your beautiful artwork. The evening will end with  viewing through our historic telescope (if clear).

The cost is $60 per person and includes all your supplies, food, and drinks. The cost of the ticket benefits Art for All People and the Cincinnati Observatory. Recommended for ages 16+.

Meet our artist for the evening, Sarah Hellmann!
Sarah Hellmann is an author, artist, and speaker. After earning her PhD from the University of Cincinnati, she founded the nonprofit, Art for All People, a ministry that brings the arts to those effected by incarceration, addiction, mental illness, human trafficking, and veterans who suffer from PTSD. Sarah is a life-long artist. Her mission is to encourage others to use their inherent creativity toward healing and empowerment. Sarah recently published her book, Broken-Down Jalopies and Other Short Stories: Perspective Changes Everything. Available on Amazon.