There are still some mysteries out there.
![[Photo of the Crescent Moon]](crescentL.gif)
Although we know more about space than ever before, what we still do not understand seems as imposing as the cosmos itself. That leaves a lot to ponder. A degree in astronomy from the University of Maryland at College Park can launch you on a successful pursuit of solutions to some of those mysteries.
The University of Maryland at College Park is a dynamic research university with highly ranked programs in astronomy, physics, computer science and aerospace engineering, among many others. We are a university of more than 30,000 students, in a classic campus setting of tall trees and Georgian brick buildings, just far enough removed from the bustle of Washington, D.C.
The Department of Astronomy is one of the country's most advanced and actively works to stay ahead of the curve, as breakthroughs regularly change the field itself. Astronomy is one of the more challenging majors at the university, and our students work hard. But the payoff--in the form of new discoveries and contributions to the field--is very real and exciting. As a graduate or undergraduate student you will be conducting research using some of the world's most sophisticated observational satellites and ground-based observatories. Observational research is matched on the theoretical side with analysis of stellar spectra and evolution, the study of star formation and its impact on the interstellar medium, and ground-breaking work in the area of high-energy and plasma astrophysics. Maryland students use some of the most powerful supercomputers yet designed to attack theoretical problems.
The variety of research topics within the department will allow you to explore many facets of astronomical study. Or if you already know what you want to study, there is an excellent chance that we will be able to support your interest. Some of our students pursue internships at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, located just 5 miles from campus. Others use the world's most powerful millimeter-wave interferometer, the Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association (BIMA) array, to observe the coldest regions in space.
Read on to learn more about the University of Maryland, the Department of Astronomy and its many research areas. And meet some of the students who have chosen to dedicate their lives to exploring the mysteries of space.