The CASCA-Westar Lectureship in Astronomy is a program that makes it possible to arrange for a professional astronomer to visit and share with your community the most recent discoveries about the universe!

Background and Introduction

The Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) has established a Lectureship -- the CASCA-Westar Lectureship (CWL) -- whose mandate is to bring highlights of current astronomical research to the general public and students using Canadian professional astronomers. That is, the CWL will sponsor visits by professional astronomers to schools and communities that currently do not have access to relatively local, post-secondary institutions with astronomy programmes and facilities.

There are few sciences that resonate as strongly with the public of all ages than astronomy, which is why local observatories -- professional and public -- planetariums and science centres are so successful at attracting public attention. Where possible, this initiative will be integrated with the highly successful local programmes of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and other astronomy clubs.

Typical Visit

An average CWL visit will normally last about two days, and involve 2-3 presentations in the local area. For example, in addition to the main public evening lecture, there might be a presentation to students at a community college, another to a high school, etc. The goal is to maximize the benefit of the CWL to the host community.

Visit the profiles of some of our CASCA-Westar Lecturers!

Eligibility

Potential host centre(s) must normally agree to contribute $150 (in total) where possible towards defraying a speaker's expenses (or equivalent in-kind contributions such as lodging, meals, etc.). The expenses of CWL lecturers
will be reimbursed, but it is expected that they will serve voluntarily. If this would cause undue hardship to a centre, then a waiver of part or all of this fee would be considered (a request for "hardship" status can be made). A designated, committed local host is essential for each visit. This host must agree to advertise the talk/workshop locally, and to co-ordinate a speaker's activities with other institutions when the speaker is shared.

For more information, or if you are interested in having an astronomer come to your area as a part of the CWL, please contact us.

Related links:

• Dates of upcoming and previous CASCA Westar Lectureship Series
• Current Events across Canada

with files from Michael De Robertis (2003)