When we observe the universe we see light from stars, gas and galaxies, but this makes up merely 4% of the universe. We think that a much larger fraction of the universe is made up of “dark matter,” which is invisible and only interacts through gravity. Dark matter is critical to how all the galaxies we see evolve, but the nature of dark matter is still a mystery. This talk tells the story of how the Dragonfly Telephoto Array, a compound-lens telescope with a revolutionary design that enables it to image faint, diffuse structures, is attempting to understand dark matter.

Join scientists from McMaster University’s Physics and Astronomy Department for an entertaining night filled with scientific discussion, trivia, and beer. At Science on Tap, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with researchers in various scientific fields as they present some of science’s most intriguing phenomena. There will be plenty of time to ask questions while the scientists are on stage, or afterwards over cold pints. Come try this educational twist on a night out at the pub. Admission is FREE! Doors open at 7pm, event starts at 8pm.

Prof. Ray Jayawardhana

A leading astrophysicist explains the pervasive, invisible particles key to understanding our cosmos. Every second of day and night, many trillions of neutrinos pass through your body.

The impact hazard from small asteroids is uncertain because of many poorly understood factors. These include how asteroids vaporize in the atmosphere together with the associated impact effects at the ground. The Chelyabinsk event gave scientists their first detailed instrumental data on a well observed, damage producing airburst. I will describe what we have learned about the Chelyabinsk airburst in the year since it occurred and what it may tell us about future impacts onto the Earth.

STEM Camp will introduce children to the basics of astronomy, geology, geography, and engineering. In order to encourage and open up opportunities for young children in STEM careers, hEr VOLUTION is partnering with BeSpatial Consulting and Tetra Ryerson to deliver a camp focusing on space.

For thousands of years, people have gazed up at the sky without realizing its hidden secrets: that most of the stuff out in space cannot be seen with our eyes! It is only in the last 100 years or so, with the use of new instruments like radio telescopes, we have begun to reveal this invisible universe. Dr. Jennifer West will discuss some of the things that we hope to learn and also the challenges and possible new technologies that come with it. Drop-in program. First come, first seated.

Director Alison McAlpine's sublime non-fiction film takes us to Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the best places on our planet to explore and contemplate the splendour of the night sky.

Join an experienced team of astronomy educators for a professional development workshop that will improve your skills, material, and confidence in teaching astronomy!

We are living in an incredible time in the life of the universe! Dr. Renée Hložek talks about the mysterious contents of the universe, including dark energy and dark matter and how they shape how our universe as it evolves with time.