The Cincinnati Observatory was established in 1842 and, according to the Observatory's website, it is "home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public." It is a "fully functioning 19th century observatory," and it is used by both professional and amateur astronomers.
The Observatory is a very popular resource for education in this area, and I remember going there on field trips when I was a kid. But to be totally honest, I had forgotten about it until I started looking for topics for my A-Z of Cincinnati.
It's funny to me that I had forgotten about it, because ever since I started reading my friend M.Pax's blog Wistful Nebulae last year and discovered her amazing photos from the Observatory where she volunteers, I have been fascinated by star-gazing and I love to read about her adventures. I can't believe it never dawned on me that if I want to do my own star-gazing I have a place to do it right here in my own backyard! I'm going to have to make some of my own visits this summer and see what I can discover myself.
In honor of Mary's amazing Observatory photos, I wanted to use this post to give a big shout-out for her upcoming blog hop, the Backworlds Launch Party. Mary's new book The Backworlds will be released on May 7, and she's having a party to celebrate.
The Backworlds is the first book in a series, and I know it will be an amazing book. Mary's a great writer, and her first book Semper Audacia was an excellent read. I can't wait to take a trip to her Backworlds.
If you want to sign up for the launch party, click here for the list. Hope to see you on the 7th!
I've heard about your Observatory, on a PBS program. Gosh, there's soooo much in Cincinnati, I'm really enjoying this history. And I read "Semper Audacia" -- you're right, it's a delicious read.
ReplyDeleteBig fan of Mary and her writing! And now you need to go star gazing one night.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful picture of that observatory. (And especially nice of Mother Nature to enhance its appearance so nicely.)
ReplyDeleteObservatories are awesome, Julie. You should get some good looks at Jupiter and Venus still. Jupiter will be setting soon. Then Saturn will be up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out. Adventures begin again May 12th.
Boy there is a lot to do out your way! What a nice photo as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm signed up for the launch party!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a neat little gem to have in your backyard. I visited a small observatory in Flagstaff that was very cool. It is supposedly the observatory that houses the telescope they found Pluto with.
@Kittie, oh, I didn't know the Observatory had been featured on PBS, that's awesome. I'm so glad you like the posts, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Alex, I definitely will.
@Susan, isn't that rainbow gorgeous? I couldn't believe the picture when I saw it, I love it.
@Mary, you're welcome, my pleasure. I'm looking forward to the return of your adventures in May. :)
@LynnMarie, I always feel like there is nothing to do but now these posts have made me think differently LOL.
@LG, oh, how cool about that telescope. I thought it was bizarre when Pluto was kicked off the planet list, I was just so used to including it on the science projects we did in school. I felt kind of bad for it LOL.
Very cool! I can't wait for Mary's book. I'll be at the party! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. Wonderful O word.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I've always wanted to visit an observatory. It's a beautiful picture of the one in Cincinnati with the rainbow. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot to do in Cincinnati. I so miss living in the city after reading your posts. We've gone rural :-(
ReplyDeleteSo enjoying your posts.
ReplyDelete@Christine, yay! I'll see you there. :)
ReplyDelete@Yvonne, thanks!
@Cherie, I agree, I so loved that rainbow picture.
@Susan, oh, sometimes I feel like I would love to live in a rural area. I would probably miss the city if I did though.
@Em, thank you!
All I'll have to do for my next trip to the nati is re-read your blogs from the challenge and I'll have the most amazing things to go and do!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful observatory and congrats to Mary! Julie
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have a richness of culture, Julie :) I love looking at the stars too. I got the starwalk app for ipad which shows the sky where I am and names the stars and planets I'm looking at :)
ReplyDelete@ej, oh, that's a wonderful compliment, thank you! I hope you will enjoy your next visit. :)
ReplyDelete@Julie, I totally agree.
@Carolyn, oh, that app sounds really cool. I never know what I'm looking at when I look at the stars, but I just love seeing them on a clear night.