The DC Traveler » star gazing http://www.thedctraveler.com A Washington DC insider's travel guide that's full of area information for both tourists and residents. Covers area attractions, activities, events, nightlife, memorials and monuments, historic sites, museums, the Smithsonian... Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:17:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Reach for the Stars http://www.thedctraveler.com/2008/06/reach-for-the-stars/ http://www.thedctraveler.com/2008/06/reach-for-the-stars/#comments Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:00:51 +0000 http://www.thedctraveler.com/reach-for-the-stars/ Post from: The DC Traveler

]]> The University of Maryland near Washington, DC offers free star gazing at its campus observatory.

The moon

The observatory uses 4 telescopes during open houses, ranging from an 8″ 1960s-era NASA reflector, to a 20″ reflector. 

UM 20 inch telescopeThe star gazing evening starts with a 30-minute presentation by an astronomical expert, followed by a tour of the observatory and, if weather permits, some star gazing.

The summer lecture schedule includes topics such as little galaxies,  black holes, the Hubble telescope, and more.

Univ. of Maryland Observatory Open House Nights
University of Maryland Observatory – Lecture Hall
Across from UM System Administration building at 3300 Metzerott Rd.
College Park, MD  (map it)

Dates and Times – the 5th and 20th of each month – May – Oct. at 9:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. all other months. Massive Stars - NASADoors open 15 minutes before start times, so arrive early for best seating.  Dress for the weather.

Tickets – FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Greenbelt, Green line, then a 10-minute cab ride.

Parking – Free parking is available in a couple close by lots.

Images – Moon,  stars – NASA/JPL-Caltech via pingnews, telescope – U of MD

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Post from: The DC Traveler

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