The big telescope at the David Dunlap Observatory is back in business.  Under an agreement with the owners of the property, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre, now operates the 74-inch reflecting telescope and will begin providing public education and outreach programs.  The first public viewing nights at the observatory will be held on July 18 and July 25, 2009.  Weather permitting, you'll be able to look through the 74” telescope, and also check out the view through smaller amateur telescopes out on the lawn. Toronto Centre volunteers will be available to answer questions from guests of all ages.  Click here for more information, and to reserve space to look through the big telescope.

We are excited to announce the creation of the latest Canadian Dark Sky Preserve, on June 6 at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick.

Since 2003, Parks Canada has been working in partnership with The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to establish Dark Sky preserves in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Dark Sky Preserves, as designated by the RASC, are established to reduce artificial light glare, increase the visibility of the night sky, and reduce energy consumption to benefit all life on Earth. The Preserves promote the protection of nocturnal habitat for present and future generations and they encourage public enjoyment and awareness of the cultural heritage of the night sky.

Because they capture the public’s imagination, compelling astronomical images serve as potent ambassadors for astronomical researchers.   Professional astronomers, however, sometimes compromise the impact of their images because they aren’t trained to render visually appealing images from their data.  But Professor Jayanne English of the University of Manitoba has developed a five-part video course called “Cosmos versus Canvas” to help astronomers support their scientific story by creating accurate yet striking electronic images in any wavelength regime.  

See the video course here...

Hot off the press “CFHT - IYA2009 imaging contest for amateur astronomy clubs in Canada”  

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that, as a part of IYA2009, the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) has decided to give something back to the amateur astronomical community here in Canada. Announced during the Canada Post stamp unveiling and launched during the global cornerstone project of “100 hours of astronomy” from the NRC’s Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, in Victoria BC, the CFHT contest will award up to two hours to the winning group(s). 

Established in 1979, CFHT is a world-class, 3.6 meter optical/infrared telescope. The observatory is located atop the summit of Mauna Kea, a 4200 meter, dormant volcano located on the island of Hawaii. Long a favourite in the public eye, CFHT has produced some of the most awe inspiring, ground-based astronomical images to-date.

Good luck!