Throughout its 4.5 billion year history, life on Earth has been threatened by cataclysmic events such as extreme volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts which have caused mass extinction of species. While events like these can drastically alter the face of the Earth, the planet still remains. So what would it take to completely obliterate the Earth? Starting from birth, the evolution of solar systems and the environments they exist in can put planets towards catastrophic fates. In this talk, we will explore some of the incredible ways that nature can destroy planets.

Presented by John Percy, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Dunlap Institute

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is an annual worldwide public engagement program that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration. Everyone on Earth is invited to join the celebration by hosting or attending an InOMN event. Join McMaster's Sidewalk Astronomy in observing the Moon through a telescope!

A general presentation about the vastness of the Universe as well as about the DRAA will be followed by stargazing. The Crescent Moon, Saturn as well as other celestial objects will be observable (weather permitting).

What would the Solar System look like today if we turned back time and started again? What would life be like if Jesus Christ never existed? These are just a couple of questions that can be answered using Chaos Theory, a fascinating process pervading all facets of the universe from galactic evolution to financial markets. Chaos Theory can be difficult to grasp since it operates on complex systems, but in this lecture Ari Silburt will explain it in simple terms anyone can understand, giving numerous astronomical and everyday examples.

Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at Bayfront park for an evening under the cosmos. Starting at 8:00pm Saturn and Mars will be low on the horizon, a half Moon will be visible along with many visible constellations. Fun and educational for the whole family, club members will be unhand to answer cosmic questions. We will be setup in the main parking lot. Subject to weather conditions.

If you have a budding young astronomer or are one yourself then this is the course for you. Offered by the Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and The Riverwood Conservancy, this four-week course is open to ages 12 and up. The course is taught by members of the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. On clear evenings, observing with telescopes will take place from 8:30-9:30pm, extending the course time by 30 minutes.

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.

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.