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

Feb
28

FOTO: FITS with DS9

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

February 28, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Description

UMBC Observatory Engineering Team Coordinator Sam Silva will be presenting on the FITS files and basic use of DS9. During the talk, Sam will highlight: FITS File Structure Viewing FITS Header...

Feb
19

FOTO: Celestial Sphere

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

February 19, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Description

UMBC Observatory student worker Percy Yu will be presenting on the Celestial Sphere. During the talk, Percy will highlight: Explaining the celestial sphere and the different coordinate systems...

Dec
12

UMBC Observatory Open House

The Mysteries of Supermassive Black Holes

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

December 12, 2024, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Description

Did you know that UMBC's Observatory has one of the largest optical telescopes east of the Mississippi? Ever wanted to see it up close, but didn't know how? This academic year the UMBC community...