Upcoming Events

See this link for a PNG flyer for all planned 2023-2024 Open House events. Additional events may occur depending on the Universe!

Show Upcoming

Jul
11

UMBC Observatory Open House: Exoplanets

Life Beyond our Solar System

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

July 11, 2024, 7:30 pm8:30 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 summer, the UMBC community is invited to attend several UMBC Observatory Open House events. You'll have a chance to visit the control room for the telescope and the dome to see the telescope itself, all following a lively discussion about the universe. Depending on the weather and sky conditions, the dome of the telescope may open for astronomical observations. The Observatory will be open to the public on July 11 and August 8.

On July 11, learn about exoplanets and life beyond our solar system; and finally on August 8, we’ll explore the Fermi Paradox and what scientists know and don’t know about other intelligent beings in our galaxy.

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

All events are free and open to the public; however, due to limited capacity advanced registration is required for in-person events.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us
Jun
13

UMBC Observatory Open House

Faster than Light

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

June 13, 2024, 7:30 pm9:00 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 summer, the UMBC community is invited to attend several UMBC Observatory Open House events. You'll have a chance to visit the control room for the telescope and the dome to see the telescope itself, all following a lively discussion about the universe. Depending on the weather and sky conditions, the dome of the telescope may open for astronomical observations. The Observatory will be open to the public on June 13, July 11 and August 8.

On June 13, join the UMBC Observatory Group for a lively discussion about what is faster than light.  

On July 11, learn about exoplanets and life beyond our solar system; and finally on August 8, we’ll explore the Fermi Paradox and what scientists know and don’t know about other intelligent beings in our galaxy.

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

All events are free and open to the public; however, due to limited capacity advanced registration is required for in-person events.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us
May
2

UMBC Observatory Open House

the vast Spectrum of Light

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

May 2, 2024, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, May 2nd, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Electromagnetic Spectrum

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Apr
4

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

April 4, 2024, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, April 4th, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Eclipses  

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Mar
7

UMBC Observatory Open House

The cataclysmic explosions of Space: Novae

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

March 7, 2024, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, March 7th, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Novae

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Feb
1

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

February 1, 2024, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, February 1st , beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Neutron Stars

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Jan
4

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

January 4, 2024, 7:00 pm8:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, January 4th , beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of Voids

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Dec
7

UMBC Observatory Open House

14 days prior to the darkest day, let's talk Dark Matter

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

December 7, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, December 7th , beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of the Dark Matter

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Nov
2

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

November 2, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday,November 2nd, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of Black Holes

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.

Oct
5

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

October 5, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday,October 5th  beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Meteor Showers

 

Parking is free & available in the vicinity of the Physics Building on UMBC Campus.

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk starts at 7:30pm. Light Snacks and Drinks provided.

 

Event is Rain or Shine!

 

Please Note: The telescope is located in a dome on top of UMBC's Physics Building. Access to the dome involves climbing & descending two ladders, which may be a challenge to some visitors, including children under 5 years old, and people with physical disabilities. Please refer to the Dome Access page for more details.