UMBC Observatory Open House
Location
Physics : 401
Date & Time
October 11, 2025, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Description
Explore the UMBC Observatory with a rotation of in-depth tours running each 15-20 minutes including descriptions of telescope operations and the basics of astronomical detection. We'll highlight scattering effects and discuss some details of telescope detectors. Breaking up these discussions are a smattering of space-science talks delivered by current UMBC researchers!
Be sure to drop by Physics 401 for these *scintillating* discussions and deep-dives into topics at the frontiers of astronomy.
Time: 2:00-2:45
Location: Physics 401
Wild and Wonderful Pluto
Join Dr. Caitlin Ahrens on a journey to observe the weird and fantastic types of geology found on Pluto as seen from the New Horizons mission. We'll dive into what makes Sputnik Planitia (the Heart of Pluto) tick, how glaciers float, and how (cryo)volcanism can be formed!
Note: Tours are timed and run 15-20 minutes, each. Tour timing information available from any observatory staff, day-of in Physics 401 starting at 11:00.
