Discover the legacy of the Voyager spacecraft at Cincinnati Observatory. This engaging series offers an inside look at space exploration, science, and discovery that will inspire curious minds of all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
None needed, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The Cincinnati Observatory was established in 1842 and remains one of the oldest observatories in the United States, playing a pivotal role in American astronomy.
Conservation
The observatory promotes dark-sky initiatives by educating visitors on light pollution and sustainable practices to preserve night skies.
Cincinnati Observatory
Discover the legacy of the Voyager spacecraft at Cincinnati Observatory. This engaging series offers an inside look at space exploration, science, and discovery that will inspire curious minds of all ages.
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.
Arrive Early
Get there at least 15 minutes before the session starts for the best experience.
Bring a Notebook
Take notes or sketches to enhance your learning and memory.
Check Weather
Clear skies improve stargazing opportunities before or after the class.
Ask Questions
Engage with the guides to deepen your understanding of the Voyager missions.
Notebook and Pen
Great for jotting down notes and questions during the session.
Warm Clothing
Bring layers if visiting during cooler months, especially for outdoor viewing.
fall,winter
Binoculars or Small Telescope
Optional for enhanced stargazing after the class.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear shoes suitable for walking around the observatory grounds.