Astronomy Observatory

26 April 2003

Held on Saturday 26 April 2003 from 10am until 4ish, the 5th Annual Maryland Day was quite a success. Despite the rain in the morning and clouds throughout the day, around 60,000 visitors came and "Explored Our World!". Once again, the Astronomy Department was set up with the other CMPS departments in front of the Math and Physics buildings along Campus Drive. Fortunately, we had decided on setting up in a tent this year!

Official Maryland Day website

Here are the events that we held:

• Ask an Astronomer -- We will have a table set up with info about the department and careers in astronomy. I hope to have department faculty and students manning the table and available to answer your astronomy questions!
  
  
• Deep Impact -- Come by and meet some of the scientists from this exciting NASA Discovery mission. They'll be on hand to answer questions about the mission. In addition, at set times we'll have some comet and crater making demos.
  
  
• Science Discovery and the Universe -- This Astronomy-sponsored program is one of 12 in the College Park Scholars program, a freshmen/sophomore living/learning program. Learn about the program and meet some of the students!
  
  
• UFOs Explained ?! -- This program is about showing some of the natural atmospheric effects that are most often mistaken for UFOs. Includes some demonstrations, lecture and video.
  
  
• Solar Observing -- The Sun might not be in solar max but there should still be a few spots visible. We'll be safely observing the sun through telescopes using white light and hydrogen-alpha filters. COULD NOT BE DONE DUE TO RAIN AND CLOUDS!
  
  
• The Mars Room -- Hornbake Library also had the Mars Room open for Maryland Day. Astronomy Instructor and director of the Mars Room Dave Theison took some pics!

pictures taken by Elizabeth Warner & Roald Teuben

We hope you came and enjoyed "Exploring Our World!"