Cincinnati Observatory

The Cincinnati Observatory, perched on Mount Lookout in Cincinnati, Ohio, holds the title of the oldest professional observatory in the United States, and it still opens its historic domes to the public today.

About Cincinnati Observatory

Founded in 1843 in the Mount Adams neighbourhood by astronomer Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel, the observatory relocated to its current Mount Lookout site in 1873 when the University of Cincinnati took over, moving it away from the city's smoke and growing light pollution. The 1873 building was designed by noted architect Samuel Hannaford.

Telescopes & research

Two historic refracting telescopes remain in regular use: an 11-inch (28 cm) and a 16-inch (41 cm) instrument, both housed in their original domes. The observatory operates today largely as a living piece of 19th-century astronomical history, combining these working telescopes with an active programme of tours and education.

History

The observatory was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998 and is a contributing property to the Observatory Historic District, recognising its role as a key facility for astronomical research and education across the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region.

Location & getting there

Cincinnati Observatory sits atop Mount Lookout in Cincinnati, Ohio, within the city itself and easily reached as part of a day out, though its elevated position still gives useful sky access for public viewing nights.

Visiting Cincinnati Observatory

The observatory, operated by the Cincinnati Observatory Center, holds regular public viewings through both historical telescopes plus tours and additional programmes; call +1-513-321-5186 or check cincinnatiobservatory.org for current schedules and tickets.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates, so the same historic refractors used here for public viewing nights could, in principle, be turned toward your star. Name a star before your visit, or browse the catalogue to see what's already registered.