The state of Maryland, located on the east coast of the USA, is home to 10 planetariums which offer visitors a range of thrilling Stargazing experiences to enhance their visit to the Capital Region USA.  Maryland is home to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), which is the operations centre for the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to be launched in 2018 on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Here is a round-up of the Stargazing experiences available for tourists in Maryland:

 

1) Stargazing Cowboy Style at The William Brish Planetarium Hagerstown

The William Brish Planetarium at the Washington County Planetarium and Space Science Center, hosts a series of events which visitors are able to attend. The shows are twice a month, with two different shows per date, and are generally held on the first and fourth Tuesday of the month between 5.30 p.m and 8 p.m unless noted otherwise. The fun and interactive events include a Telescope Clinic and Cowboy Astronomer themed seminars.  Attendance costs just $3 per adult and $2 per child. Visitors are encouraged to call in advance to check weather schedules on 001 301 766 2898 (from the UK) or 301 766 2898 (from the US).

 

For further information, visit http://wbplanetarium.weebly.com/public-programs-info--schedule.html

 

2) Safari Sights and Mayan Magic at Montgomery College Planetarium, Takoma Park

Monthly public planetarium shows are held at Montgomery College Planetarium, and are free to all visitors. 2014 event highlights include Mayan Calendars, African Skies and Falling into a Black Hole, but a full schedule of the fascinating events can be found here – http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/planet/

 

3) Maryland Science Center Hosts Weekly The Star Live Events, Baltimore

Visitors can identify stars, constellations, planets, and other wonders in the night sky as it changes with the calendar at this informal live presentation. The Sky Live is an introduction to the night’s sky, where visitors will learn about the phases of the moon, which planets are visible, and what constellations to look for after dark. Visitors are encouraged to take home a Star Map with them to practice their Stargazing skills at home. The event is held on Mondays, Tuesday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, at various times. On Friday nights, the whole family can enjoy a night under the stars. The Science Center opens the observatory doors every Friday night from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. It is recommended that you call ahead in case weather or sky conditions have caused a cancellation.

 

Click here for a full schedule - http://www.mdsci.org/planetarium/schedule/

 

4) Stargaze Outdoors at Bear Branch Recreation Park, Westminster

Bear Branch Nature Center in Bear Branch Recreation Park in Westminster, is home to a 40-seat planetarium offering three stationary telescopes. The facility is open to the public free of charge. Visitors are advised to check the website for hours of operation.

For more information, visit http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/recpark/hashawha

 

5) Astronomical Evenings at St. John's College Observatory and Planetarium, Annapolis

This planetarium, named after Theodore R. McKeldin, a former governor of Maryland, holds regular informal Stargazing sessions on Monday and Thursday evenings. These astronomical events are open to the public and visitors are encouraged to contact the planetarium in advance to check the event schedule by calling +44 410 626 2888 or emailing stars@sjca.edu

 

For more information, visit http://199.89.180.250/~stars/index.html or http://www.stjohnscollege.edu/admin/AN/observatory.shtml

 

6) State of the Art Technology Enhances Visitors Experience to K. Price Bryan Planetarium at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore

This planetarium boasts a new Digitarium Alpha 2 projector, offering the latest in Stargazing technology. Sitting inside the 20-foot dome, visitors can zoom in on planets and see constellations through the eyes of diverse ancient and modern cultures. The planetarium is open to the public but to avoid disappointment, they are encouraged to call in advance to make an appointment – (001) 410 435 0100.

For more information, visit http://www.ndm.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/physics/facilities/

 

7) Family Science Nights at the Howard B. Owens Science Center, Lanham

Visitors are able to visit Maryland’s largest planetarium dome at the Howard B.Owens Science Center and explore the wonders of Stargazing through a variety of programmes offered on the second Friday of every month, available from September until May. The planetarium also offers Family Science Nights, Skywatchers of Africa, Night of the Fireflies, and other special events including guest speakers on Astronomy Day, 10 May 2014.  Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for teachers/seniors/students and children under 3 are free.

For a full schedule events of events, visit http://www1.pgcps.org/howardbowens/wipage.aspx?Pageid=178442&id=116840

 

8) Planet Shows at the Watson-King Planetarium, Towson

The Watson-King Planetarium at Towson University invites guests from all over the world to enjoy one of its Planet Shows on the third Friday of every month. Each of the shows is themed and past shows includes What Was the Winter Star, An Intergalactic Tour, When Galaxies Collide, Heroes of the Skies and the Galaxies of Summer, all of which include telescope viewing, weather permitting. Attendance is free and visitors should contact Dr Alex Storrs in advance on (001) 410 704 3003

For more information, visit http://wwwnew.towson.edu/physics/astronomy/planet_shows.asp

 

 

To find out more about Maryland and the Capital Region USA, visit www.CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk

 

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