The Origins Institute at McMaster University invites you to a public lecture with Dr. Kailash C. Sahu, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, and an instrument scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope. Did you know that 5000 exoplanets have been discovered to date through a variety of techniques? Gravitational microlensing is one such technique that can detect planets around faraway stars, and also planets orbiting at large distances from their parent stars.

In her beautiful and haunting memoir, The Smallest Lights in the Universe, MIT astrophysicist and planetary scientist, Sara Seager, chronicles the process of rediscovering a new future after a devastating tragedy. Starting as a young girl in Toronto where fascination with the stars and big questions are chronicled, Seager traces her love of astronomy from U of T to Harvard and eventually to MIT where she excels as Professor of Planetary Science and Physics, and one of the school’s most influential researchers.

The Origins Institute at McMaster University invites you to a public lecture with Dr. Brad K Gibson, Professor and Director of the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Hull in the UK.

When better to talk about meteors and meteorites than on the peak of a meteor shower?

Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in our night sky, and is a favourite of astronomers everywhere for all the treasures it holds.

Speaker: Dr Michael Daly, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

Join us, from the comfort of your home! Join science writer, astronomer, geophysicist, planetary scientist and RASC member Chris Vaughan in exploring the night sky! He’ll show you what’s up in the sky tonight and answer your space-related questions! Depending on the weather, you may even be able to see views of the sun through our solar scope! Deadline to register for this program is Thursday December 17, 2020 at 3:00pm. Prior to the start of the program you will be emailed information on the virtual program links and any specific information relating to your program.

Announcing a Special Event at the Allan I. Carswell Observatory: Jupiter and Saturn - The Great Conjunction of 2020, Dec 21 from 4:00pm Toronto local time! A conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn only happens about once every 20 years (which is why it is called a great conjunction). Don’t miss out on this great view. Tune into the Allan I. Carswell Observatory’s YouTube page at 4:00pm on Dec 21, 2020 and enjoy the show!

RASC is partnering with Explore Scientific to bring you a star party of epic proportions! Explore Scientific will be livestreaming throughout the day on their channels (list and links available here).

Just got a new ‘scope?' Already had one for years that’s been collecting dust? The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is hosting a telescope clinic to help you get started. Bring your telescope out and let our experienced members show you how to use it! Maximum two family members per registration. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. COVID protocols will be in place.