PROGRAM Weather Policy Go/no-go posted?
OPEN HOUSE Will be held even if cloudy; observing decision is made on the spot; program is canceled only in cases of extreme weather (tornado, hurricane, major snow/ice storm). A notice will be posted on the UMD Observatory homepage only if there is extreme weather and the program has to be canceled.
New Telescope Owners Nights Will be held even if cloudy; observing decision is made on the spot; program is postponed/canceled only in cases of extreme weather (tornado, hurricane, major snow/ice storm). In case of extreme weather, registered attendees will be notified by email.
Learn the Sky Nights Will be held even if cloudy; observing decision is made on the spot; program is postponed/canceled only in cases of extreme weather (tornado, hurricane, major snow/ice storm). In case of extreme weather, registered attendees will be notified by email.
Special Events Depends on event -- most observing events are dependent on the weather. Other non-observing events like book signings may be held even if cloudy or raining and would be postponed/canceled only in cases of extreme weather (tornado, hurricane, major snow/ice storm). Check event page for a go/no-go status. See specific event page.
Impromptu Observing Session Scheduled only when the skies are clear and will get cut short if it gets cloudy. no

Open Houses

IF IT IS TOTALLY OVERCAST or RAINING THERE WILL BE NO VIEWING THROUGH THE TELESCOPES; HOWEVER, the speaker will still give a presentation and a brief tour of the telescopes will be given. Open Houses will always go on regardless of the weather unless the University of Maryland at College Park is shut down due to a snow or other weather emergency. You can call the University at (301) 405-1000 or (301) 405-SNOW (7669) to find out about closures due to snow/ice/tornadoes. You can also call the UMD Observatory information line at 301-405-6555. If the show is canceled, the recorded message will be changed to reflect that closure.

Latest Satellite Weather Photos

Visible Image
Visible Satellite Image
IR Image
Infrared Satellite Image
Water Vapor
Water Vapor Satellite Image
Enhanced IR
Enhanced IR Satellite Image