University of Maryland Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Twice a month, the University of Maryland Observatory in College Park opens its doors and its telescopes to anyone curious about the night sky, free of charge.
About University of Maryland Observatory
Owned and operated by the University of Maryland, College Park, the observatory was established in 1963 and has since become a well-known stop for stargazers in the Washington, D.C. area.
Telescopes & research
The observatory gives visitors access to three telescopes during its public open houses, each paired with a short lecture introducing that night's targets.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland, within easy reach of Washington, D.C.
Visiting University of Maryland Observatory
Free open houses run twice a month, starting at 9 PM from May to October and 8 PM from November to April. The Washington Post named the observatory's open houses one of its seven favourite weekend excursions in the Washington metropolitan area in 2009.
See your named star from here
An observatory that already draws crowds for open houses is a fitting place to look for a star of your own. Once you know a star's right ascension and declination, it can be found from here just like anywhere else. Explore our star-naming packages or the full catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
