Black Holes Open House Summary
Thanks
to everyone who attended our open house tonight! Tonight we had a discussion on
black holes where we first looked at how physicists began to approach gravity,
invisible objects, and black holes. We then talked about the life cycle of a
star, specifically our sun, and how exactly black holes are formed. We
discussed the properties of black holes and some interesting facts such as how
tidal forces work in terms of black holes, about gravitational lensing, and
about AGNs. We also got to look at our new telescope and go upstairs to see the
observatory's main telescope! We hope to see you there next time!
]]>
Thanks to everyone who attended our open house tonight! Tonight we had a discussion on black holes where we first looked at how physicists began to approach gravity, invisible objects, and black...
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/83506/guest@my.umbc.edu/4b052833235753722a759379575329be/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
0
0
true
Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:37:52 -0400
Disintegrating Asteroid
The Hubble Telescope caught the asteroid Gault disintegrating, a rare occurrence for asteroids. It was caused by its superfast spin rate. This event provided a really great image of what it looks like when an asteroid falls apart. The full article can be seen using the link below.
]]>
The Hubble Telescope caught the asteroid Gault disintegrating, a rare occurrence for asteroids. It was caused by its superfast spin rate. This event provided a really great image of what it looks...
https://www.space.com/rare-disintegrating-asteroid-hubble-photo.html
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/83258/guest@my.umbc.edu/80cebd0d8b77e0bd230d3987a16a3921/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
1
0
true
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:13:10 -0400
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:13:27 -0400
ISS Open House Summary
Thank you to everyone who showed up for March 8th's Open House! Tonight our topic was the International Space Station. We discussed the purpose of the ISS, requirements for the astronauts, and daily life and the general living experience. We also discussed more technical elements such as how they reuse water, produce energy (through solar panels), what the space station is made of, and more details about its low earth orbit and constant state of free fall (which gives the astronauts the feeling of weightlessness). We briefly discussed a few of the many experiments that have been done abroad the ISS and also the importance of the ISS in international cooperation between countries. We then took questions and went up to see the observatory! We hope to see everyone next time!
]]>
Thank you to everyone who showed up for March 8th's Open House! Tonight our topic was the International Space Station. We discussed the purpose of the ISS, requirements for the astronauts, and...
Photo
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/301c23688614ce5252277800e5d6e5ba/69e8c326/news/000/082/754/fdb8081426eb791cab369832567f7715/iss1.jpg?1552095131
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/82754/guest@my.umbc.edu/e8ee2ae2a5f7c06aa00dfd425ca69c87/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
0
0
true
Fri, 08 Mar 2019 20:32:35 -0500
Comets Open House Summary
At tonight’s open house we discussed Comets. We looked at the properties of comets, describing each of the three components (the nucleus, coma, and tails). We then discussed and looked at a couple examples of comets such as Hale-Bopp (1997), McNaught (2007), and of course Halley’s comet (1986). Comets have been depicted through history as far back as Chinese records from 613 BCE and later in Babylonian tablets and tapestry from the Middle Ages. Edmond Halley’s contributions to the study of comets was astronomical, with him providing the first scientific evidence for comets orbiting the sun in a periodic way. Comets come from the Scattered Disk, the Kuiper Belt, and the Oort Cloud. Some missions to study comets have been the International Cometary Explorer (ICE), Giotto, Deep Impact (the first attempt to land on a comet), and Rosetta (the most recent mission). On December 17th, the comet Wirtanen will be visiting Earth! We would like to thank everyone that attended and be sure to join us on January 11th for another Open House on stars at 7:30 in PHYS 401!
]]>
At tonight’s open house we discussed Comets. We looked at the properties of comets, describing each of the three components (the nucleus, coma, and tails). We then discussed and looked at a couple...
Photo
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/ce0fe1d4615f3d24ad1be8633252d7a4/69e8c326/news/000/080/912/75bd5e7f19a7584c82c3f77dc61bda5a/comet1.jpg?1544147509
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/80912/guest@my.umbc.edu/90e2fa08ffa6b0e791025e7a10c9dbe6/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
0
0
true
Thu, 06 Dec 2018 20:52:13 -0500
November 1st Open House
Galaxies and AGN
Thanks to everyone who attended tonight's Open House! Tonight we discussed properties of galaxies and how we classify them. We also brought up
Galaxy Zoo, which is a science project where people have the opportunity to help sort galaxies. We also brought up how we are using artificial intelligence to teach computers to classify galaxies. We talked about what AGNs are and why they are so unique and what the goals are of studying galaxies.
Thanks again and we hope to see you at the next one (December 6th!!).
Astronomers test the hypothesis for how supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies formed early in the universe's epoch. Through the use of a supercomputer located at the University of Texas, at Austin, these scientists were actually able to produce a useful simulation and image for what astronomers should look for when searching for these "nascent massive black holes".
]]>
Astronomers test the hypothesis for how supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies formed early in the universe's epoch. Through the use of a supercomputer located at the University of...
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180919101001.htm
Photo
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/7156d1b9e465581e1a5a1e38f94d9041/69e8c326/news/000/079/476/41d934b57541fa144f6b6b585312a7e3/Screen Shot 2018-10-15 at 5.50.41 PM.png?1539651237
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/79476/guest@my.umbc.edu/ca7dd45834223d0f6f562ddd865752ea/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
1
0
true
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:54:16 -0400
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:54:32 -0400
The Orionids and How to View Them
The Orionids are a meteor shower that occurs in late October and lasts for one week.
They got their name because they seem to originate from the constellation Orion. However they
can be seen from large portions of the sky. The meteor shower comes from degrees of Halley’s
comet. In October, the constellation Orion reaches its azimuth at 2 am. This means that the best
time to see the constellation is at 2 in the morning. This happens because Orion is a winter
constellation, so it doesn’t rise early. However we will be able to still see many meteoroids since
the Orionids are known for being fast and bright. The meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of October 21st and into the morning of
October 22nd. During these times is when it is very likely that you will be able to spot a meteor.
The Orionids average 15 meteors per hour on moonless nights. Unfortunately the moon will be
a waxing gibbous when the meteor shower reaches its peak. This means that as the meteor
shower approaches its peak, the moon is also about to be full.
However, we will still be able to spot several meteors during the course of this shower,
even here in Baltimore. The shower has already begun, so here are some viewing tips.
- Try to get away form as much light pollution as you can
- The meteors are at their best after midnight so bring a friend or two and a blanket
- Lie down with your feet facing southeast. To help orient yourself, lie down with
your feet facing towards the harbor, and turn your feet slightly to the right to face
southeast.
- Look up and take in as much of the sky as possible. Your eyes will take a little
under 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Looking at your phone means that
you will have to start all over again, because you need to have your pupils dilate.
- It’s better to face 45 to 90 degrees away from where the meteors originate from.
At the time of night that most people will be viewing the shower, Orion will be
rising in the east.
Happy viewing!
On October 7th at around 7:30pm a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a SAOCOM 1A Earth-observation satellite was witnessed by spectators in the Southern California region being launched. The gasses being expelled from the SpaceX rocket as it lifted off from the Vandenberg Air Force base lit up by the setting sun produced a magnificent cloud-like light show (as seen in time-lapse link below).
https://youtu.be/1Tx6jrvCCd4
]]>
On October 7th at around 7:30pm a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a SAOCOM 1A Earth-observation satellite was witnessed by spectators in the Southern California region being launched. The gasses...
https://youtu.be/1Tx6jrvCCd4
Image
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/b68aaee0341cd9f02acb3ae0111b91d6/69e8c326/news/000/079/477/1a79e60cce2641f20b34acb72cd287d7/SpaceXs-Falcon-9.jpg?1539638560
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/79477/guest@my.umbc.edu/5b076d43096c32524614d6254caaf59b/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
4
0
true
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:23:19 -0400
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:23:38 -0400
Open House October 4th
JWST and Infrared Light
Thanks to everyone who attended last night's Open House! Last night we discussed the properties of light and light phenomena and then specifically discussed infrared light and how it is used by telescopes and its advantages and even used an infrared camera to learn more about it! We then talked about the purpose and characteristics of the James Webb space telescope (JWST), as well as the progress being made and the many challenges it faces. Our next Open House will be November 1st. Hope to see you there!
]]>
Thanks to everyone who attended last night's Open House! Last night we discussed the properties of light and light phenomena and then specifically discussed infrared light and how it is used by...
Photo
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/ef5c2b60850e272b374d9ca8c2d6511f/69e8c326/news/000/079/355/b7a06751be7509743d8d3ead1e63423d/1280px-James_Webb_Space_Telescope_Revealed_(26832090085).jpg?1539201086
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/79355/guest@my.umbc.edu/b54418eaeee11151581eb0b24db0c9a6/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
0
0
true
Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:51:26 -0400
Open Houses for 2018-2019 Academic Year
Sept 6
Oct 4
Nov 1
Dec 6
Feb 7
Mar 7
Apr 4
May 2
See attached flyer for more details :)
]]>
Sept 6 Oct 4 Nov 1 Dec 6 Feb 7 Mar 7 Apr 4 May 2 See attached flyer for more details :)
Flyer
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/f75eb1b4b53ae4d97506803cf3d4061f/69e8c326/news/000/078/052/6278beac6c3ae5fa0c9f999e787d1573/telescopeNightPoster_RP_201819.png?1534860782
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/78052/guest@my.umbc.edu/07539361ea37c2f05326fc51b0d831de/api/pixel
UMBC Observatory
https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/original.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xlarge.png?1509045831
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/large.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/medium.png?1509045831
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/small.png?1509045831
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xsmall.png?1509045831
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/421/67455a0673f5cf26deae5b270c003e83/xxsmall.png?1509045831
UMBC Observatory
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/xxlarge.jpg?1534860828
https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/xlarge.jpg?1534860828
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/large.jpg?1534860828
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/medium.jpg?1534860828
https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/small.jpg?1534860828
https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/xsmall.jpg?1534860828
https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/078/052/2e3a0aa21513df81303084876aa52a5d/xxsmall.jpg?1534860828
1
0
true
Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:14:04 -0400
