To make a reservation or not, that is the question! The UMD Observatory has a number of programs, some require reservations or registrations for individuals and some do not.

PROGRAM Individuals/families Groups Costs?
OPEN HOUSE no reservation needed reservation required free, donations happily accepted
New Telescope Owners Nights registration required no groups free, donations happily accepted
Learn the Sky Nights registration required no groups yes
special events depends on event depends on event depends on event, but most are free
impromptu no reservation needed no groups free, donations happily accepted

Open House

Individuals/families do not need reservations! Just show up on time. Please review our general logistics.
Group presentations are given an hour earlier and require a reservation. Groups that show up without a reservation will not be let in.
Read more about group reservations.
Read more about Open House.

New Telescope Owners Nights

Individuals or families can register. No Groups.
Read more about New Telescope Owners Nights.

Learn the Sky Nights

Individuals can register. No Groups.
Read more about Learn the Sky Nights.

Special Events

For most special events, like solar/lunar eclipses, a reservation or registration is not required. However, there are some special events, like book signings at the UMD Observatory, that would require registration. When announcing a special event, information about reservation or registration requirements will be noted.
Read more about Special Events.

Impromptu Observing Sessions

By their nature, these are held on very short notice. There is no registration or reservation required. To be notified about impromptu observing sessions, you do need to be on the UMD Observatory mailing list.
Read more about Impromptu Observing Sessions.