Prof. Christine Wilson, Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is a new and powerful radio telescope that has recently completed construction on a high plateau in northern Chile. The first science results from ALMA include a stunning array of images of astronomical sources ranging from very young stars that are still in the process of forming to galaxies at the limits of the visible universe.

The quest for ever-clearer views of the sky has driven astronomers to put telescopes in such remote places as the centre of Antarctica. Professor Keith Vanderlinde talks about his work with the 10m South Pole Telescope, and the science that convinced him to undertake an eleven-month "winterover" position. Drop-in program. First come, first seated.

As a reporter with CHCH-tv for many years, Karen Cumming was used to telling other people’s stories. Turns out she has a pretty interesting one of her own to tell now. In February of last year, Karen was chosen as one of 100 people from around the world who are moving on to the final round of astronaut selection in the Mars One Mission. They’re known as “The Mars 100”. Their goal?

For thousands of years, people have wondered whether life exists anywhere other than on Earth. With recent discoveries of hundreds of potentially habitable planets orbiting stars other than the Sun, we are tantalizingly close to answering this question.

The stars of the night sky appear gentle, peaceful and unchanging. But this is a lie. The Universe is a violent and catastrophic place, with dozens of tools at its disposal to wipe out all life on Earth with almost no warning. Astronomers are still only beginning to appreciate the true scope of the dramatic forces that drive the Universe's evolution. With Dr. Bryan Gaensler from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics. Drop-in program. Limited space. First come, first seated.

Escape to Planet ROM for the Holidays and come on a planetary odyssey through the Milky Way and beyond. Bring your space gear along for this epic adventure as cosmic wonder and intergalactic activities fill the Museum’s galleries from December 26 to January 3. With close encounters of the hands-on kind including a Mars rover prototype, courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency, a Space Arcade featuring new video games, and a meteorite you can touch, Planet ROM takes you to a galaxy far, far away while keeping your feet firmly planted on Earth.

Showtimes: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm Centuries before Galileo observed the moons of Jupiter, scientists in the Middle East were building the first cameras and developing the physics of light. Without the benefit of modern technologies, they took some of the first steps in understanding the motions of the planets and in explaining the nature of the Universe.

Showtimes: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm Centuries before Galileo observed the moons of Jupiter, scientists in the Middle East were building the first cameras and developing the physics of light. Without the benefit of modern technologies, they took some of the first steps in understanding the motions of the planets and in explaining the nature of the Universe.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm Centuries before Galileo observed the moons of Jupiter, scientists in the Middle East were building the first cameras and developing the physics of light. Without the benefit of modern technologies, they took some of the first steps in understanding the motions of the planets and in explaining the nature of the Universe.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm Centuries before Galileo observed the moons of Jupiter, scientists in the Middle East were building the first cameras and developing the physics of light. Without the benefit of modern technologies, they took some of the first steps in understanding the motions of the planets and in explaining the nature of the Universe.