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

Jun
22

UMBC Observatory Open House

Light in Astronomy

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

June 22, 2023, 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 22, July 13 and August 3.

Join the UMBC Observatory Group for a tour of how astronomers make sense of the light they observe in space. We will discuss determinations of location, speed, temperature, and composition. 

On June 22, learn about how astronomers use light to learn about the universe. On July 13, learn about the birth and death of stars, and finally on August 3, Observational Astronomy from UMBC.

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
4

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

May 4, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, May 4th, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .
May
3

Location

Erickson Field

Date & Time

May 3, 2023, 8:00 pm10:00 pm

Description

Are you interested in learning more about the only planet named after a female god, Venus? Join us for our event with the Resident Student Association to test your knowledge about Venus, win fun prizes, gaze at the stars, and meet other Venus-lovers! Refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Apr
20

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

April 20, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

As Earth Day quickly approaches, we would like to highlight how astronomy and atmospheric science are closely related to ultimately spread awareness about the importance of Earth's atmosphere. Join us in celebrating Earth Day with our guest speaker, UMBC Professor and Director of JCET, Dr. Belay Demoz, who will discuss his work on atmospheric physics and meteorology. We hope to see you there!
Apr
18

Location

The Commons

Date & Time

April 18, 2023, 12:00 pm3:00 pm

Description

Stop by to learn more about our Guest Speaker event on Thursday and enjoy some earth-themed baked goods including cake pops, cookies, and cupcakes! We will be located under the Breezeway by The Commons. It would be so SWEET of you to come through and show your support for our planet!
Apr
13

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

April 13, 2023, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, April 13th, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Active Galaxies! 

 

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

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk begins 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .
Mar
2

Location

Physics : 101

Date & Time

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

Description

Join us on Thursday, March 2nd, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 101 for a discussion of Active Galaxies

 

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

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk begins 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .
Feb
2

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

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

Description

Join us on Thursday, February 2nd, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of Galaxies! 

 

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

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk begins of 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .
Jan
5

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

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

Description

Join us on Thursday, January 5, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of The Milky Way! 

 

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

 

Doors Open at 7pm. Talk begins at 7:30. 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .

Dec
1

Location

Physics : 401

Date & Time

December 1, 2022, 7:00 pm9:00 pm

Description

Join us on Thursday, December 1st, beneath the UMBC Observatory in Physics 401 for a discussion of the structure of the Solar System 

 

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

 

Doors Open at 7pm.Talk begins 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.

 

 

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To request accessibility accommodations, please contact us at observatory@umbc.edu .