CommuniVERSITY

As I mentioned on the main page CommuniVersity at the Unviversity of Cincinnati offers a few classes, hosted and taught by the folks from the Cincinnati Observatory. They cover the history of the Observatory and basic stargazing. As of March 2019 they cost $35 each, and generally interesting, but pretty basic. Here are my detailed thoughts.

Behind the Scenes at the Observatory #1207

The official course description is below. Most of the Observatory programs include the opportunity to look their one of their vintage telescopes, which is pretty cool, but they also offer this on "Astronomy Thursdays, Fridays, And Saturdays" for a small (like $5-7) fee. That alone is pretty cool, and they offer Sunday tours of the Observatory as well. I've not taken that tour, but my sense is this is a very little bit more extensive, including checking out the vintage high precision clocks in the basement. Knowing what I know now, I'd probably just do the Sunday tour and pick a clear Friday to drop in and view through the telescopes. Click here to register.

Look to the heavens through the oldest continuously used telescope in the world; explore the depths of the 1873 observatory including its attic and basement; and learn why President Adams laid the observatory's original cornerstone in 1843. Hear the fascinating history of the founding of the observatory; investigate how the 19th century astronomers determined time for the city of Cincinnati; discover why the observatory was designated a National Historic Landmark; and find out what is in store for the future. The Moon will be viewed through the telescope following the program, weather permitting.

Instructor is: John Ventre, the historian with the Cincinnati Observatory.