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.

Watch the Perseids meteor shower with the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at the Binbrook Conservation Area from 8 to 11pm on Friday August 12. Admission is free so bring the whole family for a fun evening under the stars! There will also be a meteorite display, night sky tour and members will set-up their telescopes for observing celestial objects. Bring a blanket or lounge chair as lying down is one of the best ways to enjoy the meteor shower. Weather and clouds permitting. No rain date scheduled. No pets please.

In January of 2016, astronomers presented evidence that a giant planet may be lurking far beyond Neptune, quietly waiting to be found. If it exists, ‘Planet 9’ would be the first solar system planet to be discovered in over 170 years, with all due respect to the fallen Pluto. In this talk, we’ll examine the case for Planet 9, learn about the latest efforts to detect it and figure out if it is going to kill us all. Hint: no.

Receive a detailed introduction to the basics of Astronomy through an indoor presentation. Learn your way around the night sky in an amazing portable planetarium. We'll venture out into the darkness for naked-eye viewing of constellations, more detailed observations with binoculars (provided) and viewing planets and deep-sky objects through telescopes of amateur astronomers. Presenter: Ryan Marciniak

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.

Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers at Bayfront park for a evening of stargazing and planet viewing.

Come join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers for a night under the stars this June 18th between 9:00–11:00pm at the Niagara Gateway Tourism Centre. Friendly club members will have telescopes set up where you can ask questions and gaze upon celestial objects of interest. Subject to weather conditions.

Star Talk nights offer great talks by great speakers on astronomy, space science and sometimes, science fiction. You'll also have a chance to tour the Observatory and (weather permitting) check out the night sky through a variety of telescopes set up on the lawn and through the big scope in the Main Dome.  If the weather gods are angry, you can check out the (virtual) night sky in our special Skylab. Star Talk nights run regardless of weather conditions.