Is telescope viewing guaranteed?

Telescope viewing is included when skies are clear; sessions proceed even if viewing is not possible.

What age is recommended?

The class is introductory and recommended for guests of any background; it’s suitable for curious teens and adults.

How large are groups?

The program accommodates groups up to 35 people.

Is the program accessible?

Accessibility details are provided at booking; contact the booking link for specific accommodations.

How do I book or get more details?

Use the provided referral link in the listing to view availability, pricing, and check-in information.

Planetary Defense 101: How Scientists Detect and Deflect Dangerous Asteroids | Workshop | Guided Tour

Planetary Defense 101 is a focused, beginner-friendly science class in Cincinnati, Ohio that walks visitors through the realities of asteroid impacts and the modern tools used to spot and stop hazardous space rocks. In a single 1.5-hour session, the instructor presents the cadence of cosmic hazards—from micrometeorite dust to rare, civilization-altering impacts—and explains how telescopes, sky surveys, and planetary science combine to detect threats well before they reach Earth. The session includes admission and telescope viewing when skies are clear, and accommodates groups up to 35. The experience feels part lecture, part live demonstration. You’ll learn how orbital tracking turns pinpricks of light into calculated trajectories, how radar and infrared surveys help size and characterize objects, and why a small change in velocity can divert a future strike. The class outlines the major mitigation concepts researchers pursue today: early warning, kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and civil defense strategies. Presentations use real data and historical case studies to show how frequently large impacts occur and what past events have taught scientists about risk. Locally, this class offers a rare chance to bridge Cincinnati’s public-facing astronomy resources with a topical global conversation about planetary safety. Key features include guided telescope time (weather permitting), clear explanations of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), and a tight, interactive format that welcomes questions from novices. Unique natural phenomena covered in the talk include Near-Earth asteroids, comets, and the telltale traces of past terrestrial impacts preserved in the geologic record. The program highlights both the science and the stakes: why monitoring the sky matters for communities everywhere. Practical visitors’ notes: arrive ready to take notes and to step outside for telescope viewing if conditions allow. Accessibility, pricing, and meeting-point details are provided at booking; the class is introductory and appropriate for adults and curious teens. If you’re an educator, student, or simply someone drawn to clear, data-driven explanations of a dramatic subject, this session translates complex planetary defense concepts into accessible actions you can understand after one informative evening in Cincinnati. Planetary Defense 101 is an exceptional local offering for travelers who want a grounded, science-first look at humanity’s strategies for surviving cosmic hazards. It turns an abstract headline—“asteroid threat”—into concrete tools, techniques, and questions you can understand after one informative evening in Cincinnati. Expect opportunities to ask about how space agencies coordinate international tracking networks, and how amateur astronomers contribute crucial observations. Teachers and parents will appreciate classroom-ready examples and suggested resources to continue learning after the lecture. Bring a notebook and comfortable shoes; the session can include brief outdoor time. Whether you visit with scientific curiosity or plain wonder, this class arms you with clear concepts and practical context for one of civilization’s most compelling planetary challenges.

About Cincinnati Observatory

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.