Cincinnati Observatory

The dog days of summer are upon us as we celebrate #AllAmericanPetPhotoDay! We don't have a dog per say at the Observatory but a few do find their way onto the grounds as they live in the neighborhood. Ivy was chilling on the steps after a vigorous game of ball.

Tours under the Moon Join us for a tour of the Observatory and a chance to see the Sun and the Moon through the telescope, weather permitting! The guided portion of the tour lasts approximately half an hour. It includes both of the Observatory’s buildings and two main telescopes, as well as access to our out-of-this-world gift shop. Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child/senior/veteran, free for Observatory Members Choose from July 22, 24, or 31 at 6pm. Grab your ticket today! https://bit.ly/4bLDJyv

With your kiddos home this Summer, come check out the fun activities we are offering at the Observatory! On Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12-3, come to our main building and pick up a take-n-make craft, or complete our scavenger hunt for a prize! Can't make it in? There are printable coloring sheets and other at-home activities available on our website. If you're looking to bring your future astronomer to one of our Summer programs, check out our Sunday, Sun-day, Sundae events, Tours Under the Moon, Family Astronomy Night, and more! Visit our website for a complete list of fun summertime Observatory programs and activities! https://bit.ly/3Pq89N2

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Fourth of July! #fourthofjuly #sparklers #fireworks

Need something to do with your out of town guests this Sunday? Join us at noon or 1:30 for a Sunday history tour this Sunday, July 7. Sunday History Tours offer those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a more detailed, in-depth guided tour. Learn 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. After the tour explore our newest temporary exhibit The Brightest Stars: The Legacy of Cincinnati's Women Astronomers to discover more of the legacy of the women who helped shape astronomy and the Cincinnati Observatory. Tickets are $10/adult, $5/kids (recommended for kids 12+), $5/senior, $5/veteran and free for Observatory members Space is limited. Advanced reservations are recommended. Reserve your spot today! https://bit.ly/3YV00DG

It is a pleasure to partner with local organizations like Adopt A Class. Our educators enjoy working with the community and particularly schools like Sayler Park School and Shroder Paideia High School to inspire future #STEM leaders. The next school year is just around the corner and we are gearing up for fun with rockets, ozobots, planets, comets, and more!

Come in out of the heat and join us for History Bites on July 19 at noon. Topic: The Brightest Stars: The Legacy of Cincinnati's Women Astronomers As the Birthplace of American Astronomy, the Cincinnati Observatory has been observing the stars for over 180 years. Yet, many of those stars, namely the women astronomers of the Observatory, have often been overlooked. Women like Louisa Trask Mitchel, who was likely the first person to observe Neptune to Antoinette Kettenacker, an accomplished mathematician who was published on her work with the computation of orbits. Numerous women have contributed to astronomy in Cincinnati in stellar ways. This trend continues with the Observatory’s current staff which includes its first female Director and a majority female staff. Come learn about the brightest stars of Cincinnati, the decades of women paving the way in astronomy at the Cincinnati Observatory with Assistant Collections Manager, Mandy Askins. After the talk, visit our new exhibit for more information on these shining stars! $10 for non-members, Free for Members Reserve your spot today! https://bit.ly/3VUGGq7. Walk-ins welcome.

The stars were aligned and shining brilliantly at our preview event of The Brightest Stars: The Legacy of Cincinnati's Women Astronomers! It was an evening of solar viewing, camaraderie, ozobots, and fun. Thank you everyone who turned out to celebrate with us. The exhibit is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm - 3pm. Sign up for a tour at noon, 1pm, or 2pm and stay to immerse yourself in The Brightest Stars. Grab yout tickets today! https://bit.ly/3Flh51j

Did you catch Wes Ryle, aka Dr. Wes, on WLWT? Don't worry if you missed yesterday's Sunday, SUN-day, Sundae, there will be two more this summer. In the meantime, we have a host of classes, History Bites lunches, Astronomy Evenings, and other fun events throughout the summer. Check out our events page. https://bit.ly/3Pq89N2

Why should the kids have all the fun? It's time for the adults to shoot off rockets! Join us on July 11, 7-9 PM, for a fun and creative night out where we'll test your engineering skills building water bottle rockets. You are welcome to bring your own supplies or use ours to create your out-of-this-world rocket. Guests will be sent more information on supplies to bring a week or so before the event. The evening will end with a tour of the Observatory and viewing through the telescopes (if clear). The cost is $30 per person and includes supplies for the rockets, multiple rocket launches (weather permitting), and light bites. Recommended for ages 12+. Start the countdown today! https://bit.ly/3z9dsfg #adultspacecamp #funincincy #funwithrockets #learningisfun