For millennia, people (including our First Nations) have used the sky as a clock, calendar, and compass. Astronomy thus became deeply rooted in their spirituality, mythology, and culture.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm Have you ever wondered whether we’re alone in the universe? We now know that there are billions and billions of other planets in the universe, including many that are similar to Earth. If we aren’t alone, then why aren’t we being visited by little green men? If there is no other intelligent life in the universe, why not? In this show, we’ll explore the possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, from other planets in our own solar system, to planets orbiting other stars and beyond.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm Have you ever wondered whether we’re alone in the universe? We now know that there are billions and billions of other planets in the universe, including many that are similar to Earth. If we aren’t alone, then why aren’t we being visited by little green men? If there is no other intelligent life in the universe, why not? In this show, we’ll explore the possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, from other planets in our own solar system, to planets orbiting other stars and beyond.

Dr. John Percy delivers a fun introduction to astronomy as he "corrects" common misconceptions, from space aliens to black holes and the birth of the universe. No science or math background is needed! Lots of time for Q&A.

The quest for ever-clearer views of the sky has driven astronomers to put telescopes in some pretty remote places, from arid deserts to the mountain tops and even the middle of Antarctica. Professor Keith Vanderlinde talks about his work with the 10m South Pole Telescope and why he undertook an 11-month "winterover" working in Antarctica.

In the last 20 years, the amateur astronomer has gained access to three paradigm-changing technologies: The Internet, progressively sophisticated astronomy software, and the CCD camera. This presentation will outline how an amateur astronomer, armed with these technologies, can engage in professional-amateur (pro-am) collaborations and contribute to astronomical sciences by monitoring a wide-range of transient astrophysical phenomena.

Presented by Prof. Doug Welch, Department of Physics & Astronomy, McMaster University

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.

Dr. Rachel Ward-Maxwell, Ontario Science Centre

Apollo 11 - Some things you probably didn't know about the moon landingRandy Attwood, Executive Director, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 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.