The first exoplanet was found orbiting a Sun-like star in 1995. In the intervening 20 years, thousands of exoplanets and exoplanetary candidates have been detected suggesting that exoplanets are very common. That of course does not imply the Earth-like planets are common but again, recent statistics suggest that at least one star in 6 contains an Earth-like planet. With the detection of an exoplanet in the Habitable Zone of Proxima Centauri b, speculation and excitement has been aroused about the possibility of exploring that planetary system during the 21 st century.

Professor Yanqin Wu investigates the formation and evolution of planets, both inside and outside our own Solar System. Her current attention is devoted to a recently discovered puzzle, the presence of planetary systems around white dwarf stars, stars that have lived through their lives and are cooling off quietly in their cemeteries. The observational evidence is difficult to square with our current knowledge about the extra-solar planetary systems, and perhaps a new picture is required.

Acclaimed SF author Robert J. Sawyer discusses the writer's life and craft.

What would the Solar System look like today if we turned back time and started again? What would life be like if Jesus Christ never existed? These are just a couple of questions that can be answered using Chaos Theory, a fascinating process pervading all facets of the universe from galactic evolution to financial markets. Chaos Theory can be difficult to grasp since it operates on complex systems, but in this lecture Ari Silburt will explain it in simple terms anyone can understand, giving numerous astronomical and everyday examples.

Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at Bayfront park for an evening under the cosmos. Starting at 8:00pm Saturn and Mars will be low on the horizon, a half Moon will be visible along with many visible constellations. Fun and educational for the whole family, club members will be unhand to answer cosmic questions. We will be setup in the main parking lot. Subject to weather conditions.

The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga (CMSM) presents “Our Night Sky,” on Saturday, September 10 at 11am at Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga. “Our Night Sky” is a new show for young audiences of all ages created and performed by CMSM. This is a free admission performance.

Our life on Earth, and the Earth itself, are products of cosmic events that happened long ago and far away, but are still on display in the night sky. How are the ingredients of life and the environments for life being made? Is the Earth special or typical? Is our Universe especially good at making life? Who else might be circling one of the stars in our sky?

In January of 2016, astronomers presented evidence that a giant planet may be lurking far beyond Neptune, quietly waiting to be found. If it exists, 'Planet 9' would be the first solar system planet to be discovered in over 170 years, with all due respect to the fallen Pluto. In this talk, we'll examine the case for Planet 9, learn about the latest efforts to detect it and figure out if it is going to kill us all. Hint: no.

If you have a budding young astronomer or are one yourself then this is the course for you. Offered by the Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and The Riverwood Conservancy, this four-week course is open to ages 12 and up. The course is taught by members of the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. On clear evenings, observing with telescopes will take place from 8:30-9:30pm, extending the course time by 30 minutes.

Dr. Christopher Matzner will discuss the ethics of spreading life beyond Earth, proposals for interstellar exploration, and ideas for how we might communicate between species across deep space. All are welcome, Palmerston Library Theatre.