Current Astronomy Events in the Greater Toronto Area

York University Observatory Public Viewing Nights  
(Wednesday nights, 9-11pm)

"The Observatory welcomes public interest and highly promotes the field of Astronomy to those who are interested. Our Public Viewing Program runs all year round and is highly popular with the local and visiting communities. On Public Viewing Nights, visitors will be able to observe various selected celestial objects in the presence of friendly staff in addition to engaging in various on-hand presentations. The observatory is open regardless of weather conditions, even though viewing through the telescope is limited to clear skies! If it's cloudy, drop in for a slide show, a planetarium show, and a tour featuring both of our telescopes."

The Observatory is fully accessible.

Click here to go to the York University Observatory Web page.

University of Toronto Thursday Astronomy Tours
(First Thursday of each month)

On the first Thursday of every month (excluding January), free tours are offered of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. Tours start at 8 pm (October to April) or 9 pm (May to September).

Tours start with a presentation on modern astrophysics by a member of our department, usually a doctoral candidate or a postdoctoral fellow. This presentation is 30-40 minutes long. The evening concludes with a tour of our telescopes. There will be time allotted for questions.

On clear tour nights, one or more astronomical objects will be viewed. Typical objects are the Moon, planets, and double stars. Sorry, we cannot announce in advance what will be viewed. On cloudy nights, viewing will be replaced by a tour of our observing facilities. Interested youth, accompanied by adults, are welcome to attend.

For more information, including directions, visit the UofT Thursday Tours webpage.

W.J. McCallion Planetarium, Hamilton: Planetarium Shows
(Wednesdays at 8pm)

Public shows are held bi-weekly during the McMaster school year (September - April) and once a month during the summer. They are held on Wednesday nights at 8:00 pm. The price is $3 per person (GST included). No reservations are required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no admission after the start of the show so arrive promptly.

For full directions and a map, visit:
http://www.physics.mcmaster.ca/planetarium/directions.html

For more information about the Planetarium, visit:
http://www.physics.mcmaster.ca/planetarium/

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada:

Meetings typically feature a visiting astronomer to give a longer talk in their area of expertise, but may also include shorter talks by members of the centre. Visit each centre's website for more information or for changes in the schedule.

Toronto Centre -

Mississauga Centre - Public viewings and meetings: various times

Hamilton Centre -

Hosting an astronomical event that's not listed here? Let us know about it at cascaed@astro.utoronto.ca !

Related Links:

• Astronomy in Canada
• Canadian Planetaria and Science Centres
• More current events

compiled by the CASCA education Webteam, (2008)