Discover the ethical questions surrounding space exploration in this engaging series at Cincinnati Observatory. Join fellow explorers of thought and learn about humanity’s role in the cosmos in a historic setting.
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History
The Cincinnati Observatory, established in 1842, is one of the oldest professional observatories in the United States, highlighting Ohio's rich astronomical history.
Conservation
The observatory emphasizes minimal light pollution and sustainable practices to preserve night sky visibility.
Cincinnati Observatory
Discover the ethical questions surrounding space exploration in this engaging series at Cincinnati Observatory. Join fellow explorers of thought and learn about humanity’s role in the cosmos in a historic setting.
Cincinnati Observatory in Cincinnati, Ohio is a historic public observatory and education center offering guided tours, family programs, classes, and telescope viewing. Established with an original 1845 telescope still in use, the Observatory preserves 19th-century astronomical instruments and continues community outreach through diverse events.
Programs include daytime history tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays that highlight the buildings, main telescopes, safe solar viewing, and a gift shop. Sunday History Tours delve into the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping, showcase the original 1843 cornerstone, and feature the interactive Sundial. Evening offerings combine presentations, telescope viewing, and guided tours; Astronomy Evenings emphasize the Observatory’s historic 1845 telescope.
Hands-on and family-focused experiences span Meet a Meteorite, Interstellar Adventures for families with children ages 5–12, Family Astronomy Night, and Planet Walk Tours that scale the solar system with a 450-foot trek to Pluto. Adult-focused programming includes the Adult Astronaut Academy training camp, Space Exploration class series that explores Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini missions, and special-topic nights such as Pluto Night and astronomy archives events.
The Observatory partners with regional collectors and expert speakers for meteorite showcases, lectures, and hands-on experiments. Visitors can expect educational, science-driven experiences suitable for families, students, and adults interested in astronomy, history, and space exploration. Programming schedules and ticketing information are available through the Observatory’s official channels.
Special events include Late Night Date Night and more. Interstellar Adventures runs Saturdays with telescope viewing and pizza; attend five adventures in 2025 to enter a drawing to win a Family Membership.
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, Ohio observatory location
Historic Telescope
1845 original
Original 1845 telescope still used
Tours Offered
21 experiences
Daytime and evening programs available
Family Friendly
Programs for all ages
Events for kids, teens, and adults
Book tours, classes, and family programs to experience historic telescopes, guided tours, and astronomy events in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Participate in Discussions
Engage actively in each session to get the most out of the ethical debates.
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended as spots fill quickly for this popular series.
Bring a Notebook
Jot down questions and insights during the discussions for later reflection.
Arrive Early
Get settled and familiarize yourself with the historic observatory before sessions start.
Notebook and Pen
Great for taking notes during the class series and jotting down your thoughts.
Comfortable Clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable during indoor sessions.