Considered the most influential discovery of the century, gravitational wave GW150914 broke records in physics, astronomy, and interferometry - with still more to come. Join CJ Woodford, PhD Candidate from the University of Toronto Dept. of Physics, as we discuss this incredible discovery, the future of gravitational wave astronomy, and the new field of multimessenger astronomy.

Watch the recorded video: https://youtu.be/3Eehnnn3uWg

We are all made of stardust. That dust comes from the debris left over after a massive star explodes. These environments are so extreme they are unlike anything we can find or duplicate on Earth. Understanding them gives us clues of the origin of our Earth and everything on it. In this talk U of T's Jennifer West will tell you about how these fascinating stellar graveyards are the building blocks of life, and how we can learn more about them.

Everyone is invited to join us and Durham Skies for stargazing at the edge of Lake Ontario. Take a free look through different kinds of telescopes (including solar-filtered scopes) to get close-up looks at sunspots, craters on the Moon, and planets visible in the current night sky. Peer into deep space and try your hand at spotting faint star clusters and nebulae. You can even bring your own telescope along and we'll give you expert advice on how to use it better.

Fourteen billion years ago, the universe was little more than a cloud of hot hydrogen gas. Patrick Breysse will tell the story of how that cloud of gas evolved into all of the galaxies, stars, and planets we see around us today. In the process, he'll explain some of how astronomers study the history of the universe, and how telescopes are secretly time machines that let us look directly into the distant past. He'll also talk about some of the great mysteries that remain in this story, and how we're working in Toronto and elsewhere to solve them.

People have deeply-held misconceptions about the most basic astronomical topics, such as the cause of the seasons. In this profusely-illustrated, non-technical presentation, some "heavenly errors" will be discussed, from everyday life, to exotic black holes, to the birth of the universe. Presented by Dr. John Percy, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, in Astronomy & Astrophysics and in Science Education.

Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers for the Annual Public Perseids Meteor Shower Night.

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

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

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:15pm The stars in the night sky seem unchanging and eternal, and have remained the same for the history of human civilization. However, over millions and billions of years, new stars are born, live out their long lives, and eventually die in a blaze of glory. In this show, we will be exploring the lives of stars by visiting stellar nurseries, supernova remnants and much more!