Ontario Science Centre: International Astronomy Day
Celebrate International Astronomy Day at the Ontario Science Centre with former Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Dr. Dave Williams!
From learning about space equipment from an astronaut to observing the sky through a telescope to making comets right here on Earth, our stellar line-up of programs provides something for avid, amateur and aspiring astronomers alike.
Mighty Mission Machines with Dr. Dave Williams
Dr. Dave is back! This time, he’s taking us on a tour of incredible equipment – from rockets to rovers to robots – that allows humans to travel, live and work in space. Learn about the different kinds of machines – right down to the nuts and bolts – that are essential to space travel from someone who’s been there.
Mighty Mission Machines: From Rockets to Rovers, the third book in the Dr. Dave Astronaut series, will be available for purchase and signing onsite.
11:00am
Hot Zone, Level 6
Included with general admission
Little Inventors: Space with Dr. Dave Williams – Member Exclusive!
Hear about the challenges and opportunities of space exploration from Dr. Dave then imagine, draw and describe your own to improve work and life in space. This program is recommended for ages 8-13. Tickets are $14.95 and include a signed copy of Dr. Dave’s latest book and two seats at the event! (The two seats for the event can be used by one adult and one child or by two children.)
12:00pm, 1:45pm, 3:00pm
Telus Conference Room
Members only. Tickets are $14.95
Advance booking required. First-come, first-served.
Solar Observing*
Enjoy close-up views of our nearest star! Safely view the Sun through telescopes outfitted with solar filters, and try your eye at spotting exotic surface features such as sunspots and spicules.
10:00am - 12:00pm
TELUSCAPE
Free
REX – Robot Explorer
Snap a selfie with REX, a Mars rover prototype. On loan from the Canadian Space Agency, this six-wheeled rover performed important work here on Earth by field testing scientific instruments that will one day help future rovers search for signs of past Martian life.
Level 4
Included with general admission
Planetarium Experiences
Eyes on the Skies | 10:30am & 11:00am
Discover the nighttime sky through singing, connecting the stars and blasting off to space! For ages 5 and under.
The Sky Tonight | 12:30pm & 2:00pm
What’s visible in the sky tonight? Revel in the beauty of the local night sky and learn about fascinating celestial objects. Pick up stargazing basics to observe the night sky from your own backyard – or at our Star Party. For ages 5 and up.
Open House | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Drop in and ask your space-related questions! You guide the experience in this relaxed setting. For all ages.
Planetarium, Space Hall, Level 4
Limited seating | Children must be accompanied by an adult
Included with general admission
Junior Skywatchers
Get your jetpack ready for an out-of-this-world adventure! From observing the phases of the Moon to taking a trip to space, there’s no shortage of astronomy fun for the youngest of intrepid explorers! For ages 3 - 5.
11:00am - 12:00pm
KidSpark Workshop 1, Level 4
Limited seating | First come, first served
Included with general admission
Lost in Space
Enjoy Episode 1 of the 10-part Netflix original series under the stars! Set in 2049, Lost in Space follows the Robinson family as they journey away from Earth to find a better home in space. But when the family are abruptly torn off course en route to their new home, they must forge new alliances and work together to survive in a dangerous alien environment – light years from their original destination.
With special guest Dr. Dave Williams. Presented by Netflix.
4:00pm
Imperial Oil Auditorium, Level 1
Please line up at the Auditorium entrance, Level 1.
Limited seating | First come, first served
Included with general admission
A Beautiful Planet
A breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, this awe-inspiring IMAX® film provides a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. A Beautiful Planet features stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet – and the effects humanity has had on it over time – captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
6:00pm
Shoppers Drug Mart OMNIMAX Theatre, Level 2
$9 for all ages
Star Party
Experience astronomical proportions of fun for the whole family at our first Star Party of 2018! Observe the night sky,* create a comet, tour the universe with NASA’s Eyes and hear from experts in space science.
7:00pm - 11:00pm
TELUSCAPE
Free | Parking $10 (Member discount applies)
In the event of poor weather, Star Party activities will be held indoors
Dr. Dave Williams, former CSA astronaut | 7:30pm
With no oxygen, extreme temperatures and stellar explosions, space is a dangerous, unfriendly place for humans. Astronauts have to be protected to survive. That’s where spacecraft, space suits and rovers come into play. Space missions would never get off the ground without these mighty machines. Explore the rockets, rovers and robots that help astronauts travel, live and work in space.
Professor Roberto Abraham, University of Toronto | 8:30pm
Embark on a cosmic journey to find your place in time and space! Learn how the latest discoveries in astrophysics help map your existence in a cosmic context. Along the way, hear about the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, and find out how it will be used by thousands of astronomers worldwide to reveal our cosmic origins.
Lost In Space | 9:00pm
Enjoy Episode 1 of the 10-part Netflix original series under the stars!Set in 2049, Lost in Space follows the Robinson family as they journey away from Earth to find a better home in space. But when the family are abruptly torn off course en route to their new home, they must forge new alliances and work together to survive in a dangerous alien environment – light years from their original destination.
*Telescope observing is presented by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Toronto Centre and is weather dependent.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: International Astronomy Day programs and activities are included with regular admission. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle (member discount applies).
Organized by: Ontario Science Centre and RASC - Toronto Centre
Registration: Not required
Location: Ontario Science Centre