Pulsars are magnetized spinning neutron stars that emit a beam of radiation. Since the first pulsar was discovered in 1967, thousands have been detected since, and they continue to be one of the most interesting objects in the sky. In this talk, Nikhil Mahajan will go over the history of pulsar astronomy, the reasons why we care about pulsars, and of course, what pulsars really are. Hopefully, this talk will leave you with an understanding of what current pulsar research is all about, and what it may lead to in the future.

Almost a century ago, Edwin Hubble discovered that galaxies appear to be moving away from us and that farther galaxies moved at faster rates. This discovery revolutionized our view of the Universe and started the field of modern cosmology. Ever since, astronomers have been trying to better measure the expansion of the Universe, the Hubble constant, using numerous standard candles.

Enjoy and learn about the night sky through an engaging presentation delivered by an astronomer. Learn about history, mythology and how to identify star constellations overhead.

This was originally planned to be next week but we're moving it one week forward to take advantage of a first quarter moon and clear skies.

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.