The Cincinnati Observatory has a new head astronomer on staff. Dr. Wes Ryle, a veteran astronomer with 16 years of public outreach and education experience, comes to the observatory from Thomas More University where he served as director of the university’s observatory and a professor of physics.
“Wes brings to this key role experience [and] enthusiasm that goes perfectly with the Observatory’s mission to engage, inspire and educate the community about astronomy and space science. We’re beyond thrilled to have him join our team,” Anna Hehman, executive director at the Cincinnati Observatory, said in a press release.
The observatory began its search for a new head astronomer after Dean Regas left the post after 23 years with the organization in 2023. Dr. Ryle is currently working part-time with the observatory and will assume the role full-time on June 17.
“I have lots of ideas for events, programs and classes, and I am really looking forward to presenting on a breadth of topics,” Dr. Ryle said in the release. “I gave over 140 talks during my time at Thomas More, and I actively worked to not repeat the same presentation twice. That’s what I love about astronomy — there is so much to talk about!”
Dr. Ryle is a Northern Kentucky native, having graduated from Conner High School in Hebron. He went on to study physics and mathematics at Western Kentucky University and then earned a master’s degree in physics and a doctoral degree in astronomy from Georgia State University.
“As the nation’s oldest public observatory committed to sharing information about all things astronomy, having a Ph.D. astronomer on our staff is an exciting step for our organization,” added Hehman.
Dr. Ryle says he also loves doing public outreach, having served as a regular presenter and volunteer at outreach nights and special events at the Cincinnati Observatory since 2014. He’s also taken part in media interviews, talks at local schools and libraries, organizing and participating in STEM camps and helping with badge fulfillment activities for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
“Astronomy is perfect for engaging all age groups, all backgrounds,” Dr. Ryle continued. “Just about everyone loves talking about space. Knowing that there is such a huge public interest, it provides a great opportunity for education. I hope to improve public science literacy, using the hook of astronomy.”
Learn more about the Cincinnati Observatory (3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park) and see upcoming events at cincinnatiobservatory.org.
This article appears in May 1-14, 2024.
