Cincinnati Observatory

Witches? Wizards? Monsters? Oh, my! Join us for a kid-friendly evening of Hallowe'en fun on Oct. 26, 6-9pm at the Cincinnati Observatory as we unmask the mysteries of space and give you dazzling views into the cosmos. This Hallowe'en-themed event will include talks on aliens and constellations, kids’ activities, and trick-or-treating of candy and non-food items throughout the buildings and grounds. We will also be using the telescopes, weather permitting. Everyone who wears a costume will be entered to win a Cincinnati Observatory Stargazers kit! Space-related costumes are encouraged. Great for all ages. The program runs rain or shine. Tickets $15/adult, $10/child Reserve your spot today for this boo-tacular event! https://bit.ly/3XyYZlg 📸 Timothy O'Connor

Looking for an extra special treat this season? Whether treating yourself or a special someone, consider the treat that lasts...a Cincinnati Observatory Family Membership. It's a treat that, like a certain candy, lasts and lasts...in fact, it lasts for twelve months! With a Family membership you'll taste a variety of flavors, including: 🍭 Free admission to year-round Astronomy evening programs (great for all ages) 🍭 Members only classes and program offerings (ages vary by program) including free admission to Family Astronomy nights 🍭 Priority registration for events and programs such as Late Night Date Night 🍭 Free FOTO programs featuring a speaker and interesting astronomical topics, bring a date, or a friend 🍭 Access to the telescope loan program to check out the stars from your own backyard (Family level and up) Get your treat today! http://bit.ly/3Y6WFA9

Join us October 23 at 5:30 for History Bites at Night as we present Ohio in Space: Origins of Space Exploration. Known for innovation and invention, it's not surprising that numerous programs and inventions related to space exploration came from Ohio. In 1954, at Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg, Ohio, two scientists created a small steam engine powered by polonium-210. By 1959, they had patented their invention and were using the much longer half-life power of plutonium-238. Just a few years later in 1961, the United States launched the Transit IV-A, the first satellite to carry a radioisotope power system into space. Observatory Director, Dr. Paul Herget worked with Projects Vanguard and Mercury, as well as the Manhattan Project in early efforts of space exploration and established the Observatory as the Minor Planet Center in 1947. This presentation, given by Mandy Askins, the Assistant Collections Manager at the Cincinnati Observatory, will cover the origins of early space exploration programs, the invention of space nuclear power, and its significance to the Space Race and how Ohio and the Cincinnati Observatory paved the way for mankind’s physical exploration of space. $15 for non-members, Free for Members Preregistration available at https://bit.ly/4dP183p but walk-ins welcome!

Join us for the next in Wes Ryle's class series - Class Series 3: Stellar Astronomy Series. Stellar Astronomy Series - While they twinkle innocently in the night sky, each star is a nuclear powerhouse of physical extremes. This class series takes a look at how we measure the properties of stars from tremendous distances, how stars begin their lives from clouds of gas and dust, and how stars end their lives and give back material to the cosmos. Class 1: Taking Measure of Stars October 8th, 7-8:30pm Despite their incredible distance, it is amazing the amount of information we can gain about a star just from its light. Temperature, size, mass, and more can be determined through careful observation and analysis. This class will overview how we know what we know about the stars in the night sky. Class 2: Unveiling the Secrets of Star Birth October 15th, 7-8:30pm While it may seem like our Sun has been shining forever, like other stars, it formed from a cloud of gas and dust. This class focuses on the process of star formation, starting with huge molecular clouds and ending with a newborn star cluster. Class 3: Going Out with a Bang or a Whimper: Stellar Evolution October 22nd, 7-8:30pm All good things must come to an end, including the stars themselves. For astronomers, the death process for stars is known as stellar evolution and there are a variety of ways stars can meet their end. This course will discuss why stars die and some of the catastrophic, but beautiful results, like planetary nebulae, supernovae, and black holes. Classes will be held in-person at the Observatory. Pricing details are below: Non-members $25/class $65/class series (3 classes) Members $20/class $50/class series (3 classes) Recommended for ages 14+. Sign up for one or save and take all three! https://bit.ly/3zjVmrp

Grab the kids and join us to learn about constellations at our Family Astronomy Night on October 10, 7pm. Family Astronomy Night is our fun and interactive craft/activity night for families at the Cincinnati Observatory. Geared for families with children 5-12 years old, Family Astronomy Night will include viewing through a telescope (if clear), a tour of the Observatory, and a hands-on space activity or craft. It will be fun for the whole family. Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, Free for Observatory Members Reserve your spots today! https://bit.ly/47fUVLa

Mika and Emmy ❤️ their new telescopes and the Cincinnati Observatory! Have you recently received a new telescope? Do you know that we offer consultations? We offer consultations if you want to know more about a telescope you have, or advice for buying one of your own. Consultations provided free to members at the Family level and above. We are available for appointments Wednesdays 5PM to 9PM and select Saturdays 12PM to 4PM. Other times may be available by request. Not sure how long your appointment should be? See below for a quick reference, or feel free to contact us to ask if you aren't sure! 🔭 30 mintues is the standard appointment time. Choose this if you are borrowing one of our telescopes, donating one of your own, or seeking advice on what to purchase. 🔭 A 1-hour appointment is best if you are bringing your own telescope to the Observatory for a consultation. We will go over setup and teardown, maintenance, and locating objects with your telescope. 🔭 Two hours may be helpful if the telescope you are bringing is very large (12+ inches in diameter) or if you also have camera equipment you plan on using with the telescope. To request a day and time, please submit 3-4 dates and times to eric@cincinnatiobservatory.org and indicate which consultation you would like.

Join us at the Observatory Sept. 28, 8pm for a very special evening: our annual Celestial Sips event! We’ve partnered with our friends at Rhinegeist Brewery to create a spectacular evening under the stars. Come enjoy a sampling of Rhinegeist beer (or a delicious mocktail!), light bites, a s’mores bar, and more! Guests can also check out our new exhibit featuring women in astronomy and see select items from our collection, including some of our incredible meteorites. Attendees receive a limited edition branded Observatory pilsner glass with each ticket purchase. We’ll also be viewing Saturn and other celestial objects through our historic Mitchel telescope (weather permitting) and taking folks on tours of the Observatory. It's going to be an out of this world evening and all proceeds benefit the Observatory’s programs and mission. Tickets: Members $65, General Public $75 Space is limited for this fabulous event, so sign up today! 21+ only, please. Get your tickets now! https://bit.ly/3zmU3rE PS We keep forgetting to mention the 🍷 for those who prefer a bit of the grape!

🎶 ...F, G, H, I, J, K, analemma, P, Q, R... 🎶 Are you like us? Did you think “analemma” was a letter of the alphabet between K and P? Join volunteer and board member, Dr. Al Shiede as he describes how our sundial works, what an analemma is, and what other information can be obtained from a sundial. Al will give us an explanation over lunch and then take us out to the Sundial for a demonstration. Join us Oct. 4 at noon for What time is it? -- Let's look at the sundial! Tickets: $10/person; free for Cincinnati Observatory members Walk-ins welcome or preregister at https://bit.ly/4ge9286

The Cincinnati Observatory’s popular Celestial Sips fundraiser is back this year, and the National Historic Landmark is partnering with Rhinegeist Brewery for a spectacular evening under the stars. The event includes a sampling of Rhinegeist beers (including Franz, Beer for Humans, and Bubbles), light bites provided by Delwood, Hyde Park Fine Meats and other local partners, a s’mores bar, speciality mocktails and more! Guests will be able to view the Observatory’s new exhibit featuring women in astronomy and partake in a guided experience with our incredible meteorites. Join us for these experiences and so much more!

Weren't able to join us at lunch last Friday? No worries! Join us from the comfort of your own home on Sept. 24 at 7pm as we present our lunchtime program Ohio in Space: Origins of Space Exploration in the evening, before or after your dinner. 😉 Known for innovation and invention, it's not surprising that numerous programs and inventions related to space exploration came from Ohio. In 1954, at Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg, Ohio, two scientists created a small steam engine powered by polonium-210. By 1959, they had patented their invention and were using the much longer half-life power of plutonium-238. Just a few years later in 1961, the United States launched the Transit IV-A, the first satellite to carry a radioisotope power system into space. Observatory Director, Dr. Paul Herget worked with Projects Vanguard and Mercury, as well as the Manhattan Project in early efforts of space exploration and established the Observatory as the Minor Planet Center in 1947. This presentation, given by Assistant Collections Manager, Mandy Askins, will cover the origins of early space exploration programs, the invention of space nuclear power, and its significance to the Space Race and how Ohio and the Cincinnati Observatory paved the way for mankind’s physical exploration of space. Tickets: $10 per household Register today! https://bit.ly/3yzwThy