CANPEAKS and local astronomer Tim Claydon from the Durham Region Astronomical Association, welcome you to Connect with the Stars! This is an event where you'll get to view the stars through a professional telescope, go on a guided hike, and gather together as Tim takes us though the Galaxy with his lightsaber (aka his laser pointer). Hot drinks & light snacks will be provided.* Please bring the following items:

Our most recent generation of cosmology experiments, such as the Planck satellite and observations of distant supernovae, has reduced all of cosmology to the very precise measurement of eight parameters. This relatively simple model seems complete with no hints of additional elements required to explain the entire evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to some far distant future. These recent results include such things as the precise measurement of the contributors to the overall mass–energy density of the universe.

Showtimes: 6:15pm, 7:30pm 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!

Amateur astronomy is a hobby of great diversity. From observing faint galaxies millions of light years away, to CCD astrophotography, to reading the latest magazine at the coffee shop, to comet chasing, tinkering with the latest equatorial mount, radio astronomy, enjoying a planetarium show and everything else in between. But for those who take a keen liking to the hobby – the time and money spent perfecting our craft can be astronomical, and we often lose sight of what it is that makes stargazing so appealing and so important.

Showtimes: 6:15pm, 7:30pm 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!

“Making Lunar Lemonade: Tips, Tricks, and Targets for Observing the Full Moon”

These cold, cloudy months have undoubtedly frustrated many a backyard observer. With warmer temperatures and spring skies just around the corner our talk this month addresses the topic of planning a successful observing session. This talk is designed to get you back in field with your telescope by relating timely tips to help you get the most from your limited observing opportunities.

Speaker: Max King from Dunlap Institute, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto. In July 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew past Pluto, photographing the last unexplored major body in our solar system. Taking over 25 years from its original conception to its phenomenal photographic fly-by, New Horizons upended the space industry. We will explore the story behind the most unlikely expedition into our solar system, the development of the mission from scrap paper to the spacecraft itself.

Ele Willoughby, PhD, talks about her experience of being part of the Canadian Space Agency's Astronaut Recruitment Program. She will share what happens before an astronaut is selected and will discuss the exciting upcoming space missions.

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