Science Literacy Week is an effort to showcase the excellence and diversity of science outreach institutions around the country. By joining forces in a one week blitz of activity, the goal is to highlight just how outstanding our scientists and science communicators are coast to coast.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

By listening to the cold, dim hiss of the universe, we can learn about its fiery beginning. Prof. Renée Hlozek's talk will focus on how cosmologists use microwave instruments to measure this birth-light. She’ll describe the telescope she uses, high up in the Atacama Desert of Chile, and what we learn about what the universe contains, how it started and ultimately how it is going to end.

This unique and lively presentation is sure to entertain all ages and is especially suitable for newcomers to astronomy. In the first half of the evening travel back to Renaissance Italy in March of 1610, where Galileo himself is portrayed as introducing you to his newest scientific instrument. Hear in his own words how he built this telescope, the observations he made, and the magnificent discoveries that even he realized would revolutionize our understanding of the heavens.

Join us to view the Perseid Meteor shower on Thursday evening August 11, 2016  WEATHER PERMITTING Please check our website www.theDDO.ca after 6pm on August 11 to check if the weather and sky conditions permit viewing of the meteors. This event will be cancelled if weather conditions are poor. If the weather permits observing the meteors, the gates will open at 9:00 pm, EDT. Event ends at Midnight.

The visible matter that we can touch and see makes up less than 5% of the Universe. The rest is made up of dark matter and dark energy, and is not yet well understood. What are these “dark” pieces of the Universe, how do we know that they exist, and what are they made out of anyway? Dr.

Watch the Perseids meteor shower with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at the Binbrook Conservation Area from 8 to 11pm on Friday 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. Weather and clouds permitting. No rain date scheduled. No pets please.

Astronomer Christa Van Laerhoven, will discuss planets that orbit stars other than our sun. Some of these planetary systems look very different from our own!