Also available at the Cincinnati Observatory:
The Cincinnati Observatory, located in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) on top of Mt. Lookout is one of the most unique astronomical institutions in the United States. It consists of two observatory buildings housing an 11 inch (28 cm) and 16 inch (41 cm) aperture refracting telescope. It is a fully functioning 19th century observatory used daily by the public and amateur astronomers, civic organizations, teachers and students, history buffs and science mavens. It is the oldest professional observatory in the United States. It was a key facility for astronomical research and education at the University of Cincinnati. There are regular viewings through both historical telescopes as well as tours and additional programs.
The Observatory is home to the world's oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public. Two handsome National Historic Landmark buildings and the beautiful joinstampgrounds provide a serene, park-like setting while still being centrally located in the city of Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Observatory is a contributing property to the Observatory Historic District.
HISTORY
Cincinnati Observatory was built by Ormsby M. Mitchel at the peak of Mount Ida, a hill that overlooks downtown Cincinnati. Nicholas Longworth donated 4 acres (1.6 ha) of land for the purpose. The Holy Cross Monastery and Chapel stands today at the site. The cornerstone was laid on November 9, 1843, and presiding over the occasion was former President John Quincy Adams, with an introduction by Judge Jacob Burnet. At 77 years old, it was to be his last public speech, and Mount Ida was renamed to Mount Adams in his honor.
In 1871, the Observatory came under the control of the University of Cincinnati and in 1873 it was transferred from Mt. Adams to Mt. Lookout in order to escape the smoke and dirt of the city, where it remains today. The ground on which it stands was given to the city by John Kilgour in 1872. A smaller structure, the Mitchel Building, holds the original telescope taken from the Mount Adams observatory. The 1873 building was built by the firm of Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford. In 1998 the Observatory was declared a National Historic Landmark.
The asteroid 1373 Cincinnati was named to honor the staff of the observatory.
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