It is commonly believed that Mars is a cold, dry place. Due in large part to orbital imagery and robotic exploration of the Martian surface we can say without a doubt that Mars is indeed dry. The temperature on Mars is a bit more complex. As is the case with Earth, Mars experiences seasons and one would likely prefer to vacation near the tropics during winter. Temperature swings are much larger on Mars than on Earth. So while it may reach 20°C at noon near the equator during the Martian summer, by midnight it might plummet to -60°C.

This spring, SkyShed is launching POD MAX, a “mid sized” observatory at 12.5' in diameter, and the POD MAX funding program – The Starships Project. Wayne will be focusing on these endeavors and how they will further aid the astro community, and STEM education. Wayne Parker When not performing as the bassist in Glass Tiger, Wayne spends his time pursuing his other passion – Astronomy.

“The most incomprehensible thing about the Universe is that it is comprehensible.” — Albert Einstein

Everyone is invited to join us and Durham Skies on May 19 for stargazing at the edge of Lake Ontario. Take a free look through different kinds of telescopes to get close-up views of craters on the Moon and spectacular Jupiter! Learn the names of the stars of spring and the constellation patterns they form. Peer deep into space and try your hand at spotting faint star clusters and nebulae. You can even bring your own telescope along and we'll give you advice on how to use it better.

Join us for our monthly recreational astronomy night meeting. This is where our members get to show their latest projects, or give tutorials and tips on just about everything to do with Astronomy. Talks start at 7:30, socializing starts at 7:00.

This event has been postponed to the fall. A new date will be set at a later time.

See the milky way and galaxies with the unaided eye. Point your telescope to find the many dim deep space objects that sprinkle the sky. Away from Toronto's light polution, there is so much to see. We observe from the Long Sault Conservation area, an hour outside of Toronto. We meet around dusk once a month in the parking lot for views only seen in dark sky conditions. We hold this event on the first clear night of our week-long window, so the date and time are determined closer to.

Everyone is invited to join us and Durham Skies on June 2 for stargazing at the edge of Lake Ontario. Take a free look through different kinds of telescopes to get close-up views of craters on the Moon and spectacular Jupiter! Learn the names of the stars of spring and the constellation patterns they form. Peer deep into space and try your hand at spotting faint star clusters and nebulae. You can even bring your own telescope along and we'll give you advice on how to use it better.

Watch the recorded video of the meeting on YouTube

Hover above the moon like an astronaut and get eye-to-eye with the planets. Find colourful stars, star clusters, bright nebulae and even another galaxy. Our monthly City Star Party is the place to catch universe from within the city limits at Bayview Village Park. If you don't have a telescope then you will find many astronomers who would love to share a view. If you are thinking of buying a telescope, viewing with other people's equipment is the best way to make a good choice. If you have a telescope or binoculars, please bring it!