Current Astronomy Events in Western Canada

As of June 2009, there have been over 2,000 registered International Year of Astronomy (IYA) events across Canada. Click here to find events in your area!

Centre of the Universe, Victoria BC
(Most evenings)

Every evening from 7pm-11pm, the Centre of the Universe hosts a Star Party which includes telescope tours, virtual star shows in the planetarium, multimedia shows and telescopes set up for viewing when weather permits.

UBC Observatory: Public Viewings
(Saturday nights from sunset onwards)

"The UBC Observatory is open for public observing every clear Saturday night. Graduate students and astronomers from the Department of Physics & Astronomy will show visitors many celestial sights that are above the horizon (including the rings of Saturn, craters on the Moon, Jupiter's moons, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies), which change throughout the year.

"The telescope will be open on Saturday nights from approximately 1 hour after sunset and will remain open for about 3 hours. Although the open times change greatly, typical observing times in January run from ~6:00pm until 9:00 pm. Typical summer hours are from ~9:00pm to midnight. Those interested can call 822-6186 for recorded information, and people can find out if the telescope is open.

For more information: http://www.astro.ubc.ca/telescope/telescope.html

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.

Calgary Centre - Public viewings and meetings: various times.

Edmonton Centre - Public viewings and meetings: various times.

Okanagan Centre - Sidewalk astronomy, public viewings and public meetings: various times.

Prince George Centre - Public viewings: Friday nights in spring and fall, plus other dates; Public meetings: Last Wednesday of most months.

Sunshine Coast Centre - Public viewings and meetings: various times.

Vancouver Centre - Public meetings: second Thursday of each month

Victoria Centre - Astronomy Café: Monday nights, fall through spring; Public viewings: Saturday nights through the summer

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, (2009)