These cold, cloudy months have undoubtedly frustrated many a backyard observer. With warmer temperatures and spring skies just around the corner our talk this month addresses the topic of planning a successful observing session. This talk is designed to get you back in field with your telescope by relating timely tips to help you get the most from your limited observing opportunities.

Speaker: Max King from Dunlap Institute, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto. In July 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew past Pluto, photographing the last unexplored major body in our solar system. Taking over 25 years from its original conception to its phenomenal photographic fly-by, New Horizons upended the space industry. We will explore the story behind the most unlikely expedition into our solar system, the development of the mission from scrap paper to the spacecraft itself.

Ele Willoughby, PhD, talks about her experience of being part of the Canadian Space Agency's Astronaut Recruitment Program. She will share what happens before an astronaut is selected and will discuss the exciting upcoming space missions.

What is the sound of a twinkling star? Can planets keep a beat? How loud was the big bang?

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:10pm, 9:15pm

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:10pm, 9:15pm

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:10pm, 9:15pm

While astronomers can understand how galaxies grow and evolve by looking out into the cosmos, the history of our own Milky Way is something of a mystery. Our solar system’s position, embedded in the disk of the Milky Way, makes it difficult to understand how our Galaxy is changing on large scales. In this month’s AstroTour, Natalie Price-Jones will explain how astronomers use measurements of nearby stars to extrapolate a complete picture of the Galaxy.

Due to inclement weather, the February 6 public lecture and webcast with Clifford Johnson has been postponed to February 7 at 7:00 pm ET. The webcast will be streamed live at this time.

Explore the universe with members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Telescopes will be set up to give you amazing views of the Moon, the planets and more! Meet at the Chappell House Lawn.