News & Events

The UMBC Observatory team offers various events that are open to the public and completely free. A listing of them is given below as linked from the myUMBC Group Page for the Observatory.

It is important to note that the telescope is located in a dome on top of the Physics Building on the UMBC campus.  Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors such as children and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page to avoid disappointment. However, touring the dome is only a part of these events, and much learning and discussion is still available.

Show Upcoming

Apr
5

Fermi Paradox

Are we alone in the universe?

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

April 5, 2018, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Description

Join us for a discussion on the Fermi Paradox and also enjoy a tour of the umbc observatory.

Mar
1

UMBC Observatory Open House

Come learn about the origins of literally everything

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

March 1, 2018, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Description

Join us for our March Open House and learn about the origins of literally everything via stimulating discussion of the Big Bang. We'll also give a tour of the facility. Light refreshments will...

Jan
18

Go the Distance

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

January 18, 2018, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Description

Engage warp drive! Come join us at our January Open House to discuss the (sometimes ridiculous) cosmic distances and how we hope to one-day travel them!

Dec
7

Open House: Terraforming

What would take for us to be able to live on another planet?

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

December 7, 2017, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Description

One of the most fantastic ideas surrounding space travel is the colonization of other celestial bodies. Would it actually work? How would we do it? What are some ideas!? Did any of our sci-fi...

Nov
29

Iridium Flare Tonight!

It's not a bright bird or a plane! It's a satellite?

Location

On Campus

Date & Time

November 29, 2017, 5:30 pm – 5:50 pm

Description

Tonight at exactly 5:46 and 46 seconds, a spot in the southern sky around UMBC will brighten to over 100 times brighter than the brightest star in our nighttime sky! Events like these last for...