Pluto has always been the favourite of many who have cast their thoughts out to the stars and planets. More than that though, it has played a key role in our understanding of how our solar system is formed and it may be the key to further exploration of our neighbourhood of space. In this richly illustrated presentation we explore its history, our recent discoveries and how it may lead us to one of the greatest astronomical discoveries of the 21st century.

How many stars are in our galaxy? Which planet is most like Earth? Find out these answers and so much more from Hamilton Amateur Astronomers.

Watch the Perseids meteor shower with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at the Binbrook Conservation Area from 8 to 11pm on Saturday August 12. Admission is free so bring the whole family for a fun evening under the stars! There will also be a meteorite display, night sky tour and members will set-up their telescopes for observing celestial objects. Bring a blanket or lounge chair as lying down is one of the best ways to enjoy the meteor shower.

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Now in its 24th year, the Knox College Summer Program is a non-degree morning lecture series for the curious mind. The series focuses on diverse subjects with lectures presented by experts in their fields.

How common is life in the universe? Is there other intelligent life? For over 50 years, astronomers have been conducting the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). These searches have primarily been focused at radio wavelengths, but in the last decade astronomers are thinking of new ways to search for extraterrestrial communication. I will give an overview of humanity’s quest in finding extraterrestrial intelligence, as well as future methods and programs that are on the horizon.

Join us as Dr. John Percy, Professor Emeritus, Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Toronto discusses how Toronto became a "centre of the universe" for astronomical research, education, and outreach.

Come out and join us for an evening of laughs and science! Hear science enthusiasts to talk about their passion for science in a unique way. A song, stand-up, comedy skit, spoken word; The possibilities are endless! Line up: MC – Andrew Ivimey (@Ivimey) Ankur Chakravarthy, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (@ARChakravarthy) Ekaterina An, University of Toronto (@an_ekat) Dean Ross, Freelance Singer (@RealDeanRoss) Elliann Fairbairn, SciCommTO (@ElliFairbairn)

Most galaxies enjoy the company of other galaxies and organize into various shapes known as the "cosmic web." Many of them also like to spin - creating beautiful disks of stars and gas. PhD student George Conidis examines our own galaxy, The Milky Way, and its friends to better understand the social habits of disk galaxies and how they spin. Chronicles of a Peculiar Universe is a series of talks presented in collaboration with York University's Faculty of Science.

For decades NASA has been sending orbiters, landers and rovers to Mars for research and exploration, and the agency is aiming to send humans to the Red Planet in the 2030s. Professor John Moores provides an overview of our past, present and future missions to Mars. Chronicles of a Peculiar Universe is a series of talks presented in collaboration with York University's Faculty of Science. Note: Speaker was previously Professor Robin Metcalfe who is not able present due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any disappointment.