In the last 20 years, the amateur astronomer has gained access to three paradigm-changing technologies: The Internet, progressively sophisticated astronomy software, and the CCD camera. This presentation will outline how an amateur astronomer, armed with these technologies, can engage in professional-amateur (pro-am) collaborations and contribute to astronomical sciences by monitoring a wide-range of transient astrophysical phenomena.

Presented by Prof. Doug Welch, Department of Physics & Astronomy, McMaster University

Star Talk nights offer great talks by great speakers on astronomy, space science and sometimes, science fiction. You'll also have a chance to tour the Observatory and (weather permitting) check out the night sky through a variety of telescopes set up on the lawn and through the big scope in the Main Dome.  If the weather gods are angry, you can check out the (virtual) night sky in our special Skylab. Star Talk nights run regardless of weather conditions.

Dr. Rachel Ward-Maxwell, Ontario Science Centre

Apollo 11 - Some things you probably didn't know about the moon landingRandy Attwood, Executive Director, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Star Talk nights offer great talks by great speakers on astronomy, space science and sometimes, science fiction. You'll also have a chance to tour the Observatory and (weather permitting) check out the night sky through a variety of telescopes set up on the lawn and through the big scope in the Main Dome.  If the weather gods are angry, you can check out the (virtual) night sky in our special Skylab.

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger (and older) guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there!

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger (and older) guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there!

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger (and older) guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there!

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger (and older) guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there!

Even the greatest scientists have made some serious blunders. "Brilliant Blunders" concerns the evolution of life on Earth, of the Earth itself, of stars, and of the universe as a whole.