Cincinnati Observatory Ignites Young Space Aspiration with Moon‑Focused Programs

Cincinnati
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Nov. 12, 2026, 11:51 a.m. ET

| 2 min read

The Cincinnati Observatory hosted an evening session for 16 eager young scientists eager to explore the Moon.

With NASA’s Artemis program aiming to establish a lasting human presence on the Moon and future crewed missions to Mars, the next generation of explorers is already taking shape. Many of the children in attendance—still in elementary school—could one day participate in upcoming Artemis flights.

“Who knows something about the Moon?” asked Nicole Capella, the observatory’s program manager, prompting an immediate response.

Every single hand shot up in the air—a phenomenon sometimes called the “Artemis effect.” Just as the Apollo and Challenger missions captured the public’s imagination, NASA’s recent Artemis II launch broadcast drew more than 149 million viewers worldwide, setting new streaming records. This momentum builds on the successes of Artemis I (2022) and the James Webb Space Telescope (2021), underscoring a resurgence of interest in space science among youths.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

’SCOPING FOR THE BEST: The Cincinnati Observatory, which touts itself as the “birthplace of American astronomy,” includes the Merz and Mahler telescope.

The Cincinnati Observatory bills itself as the “birthplace of American astronomy.” Former President John Quincy Adams championed public astronomy and spoke at its groundbreaking on Nov. 9, 1843. When the 11‑inch Merz and Mahler refractor arrived from Bavaria in 1845, it became the largest refractor in the Western Hemisphere and the third largest globally.

Unlike the U.S. Naval Observatory, which focuses on navigation and mapping, the “people’s observatory” in Cincinnati is dedicated to education. During the visit, children listened to fun lunar facts before hands‑on activities: they coated black construction paper with glue, sprinkled flour, and dropped small rocks to simulate asteroid impacts.

Third‑grader William Messer shared his ambition, “I’m very interested in going to the Moon and to Mars.” His father, Mike, reflected, “When I was your age I thought people would walk on Mars, but perhaps your generation will make it happen.”

Ms. Capella then guided the group into the telescope room, pulling a rope to swing open the dome roof. The young scientists gasped as the Merz and Mahler refractor came into view, their excitement echoing the vastness of space. Asher Myers, a second grader, looked through the eyepiece and declared, “I love space.”

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

STAR PUPIL: William Messer, with his dad, Mike, raises his hand to answer a question about the Moon at the observatory.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

STARRY‑EYED: Jens and Megan Sutmoller and their sons Hugo (left) and Augie look into the Clark Telescope.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

STELLAR REPUTATION: The observatory’s domed Herget Building is a National Historic Landmark.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

AMAZING STARGAZING: Program manager Nicole Capella poses by the Clark Telescope, which is used for public education and graduate research.

Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

NIGHT READING: Kids’ books on the solar system are available on family night.

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