3489 Observatory Place (Mt. Lookout)

• National Historic Landmark – Listed December 9, 1997
• National Register of Historic Places – Listed March 3, 1980 (No. 80003043)

Significance: In the late-nineteenth century, the Cincinnati Observatory was known worldwide for its endeavors in the field of proper motions, gravitational studies, and sidereal astronomy, including double stars, nebulae and clusters. It is nationally significant for the publication of Stellar Proper Motions, which provided data important in determining the structure and rotation of the Milky Way, and provided data utilized in modern cosmological theories, such as the Big Bang. It is also significant for its association with the renowned astronomer Paul Herget, who served as the Observatory director from 1946 to 1978.

Information about the Cincinnati Observatory, including a detailed history, photographs, and a calendar of events/programs at the center, can be found at www.cincinnatiobservatory.org. Currently, the exterior of both the main observatory building and the Mitchel Building are undergoing an approximately $1 million renovation. The buildings and grounds will remain open to the public during most or all of this work.