Join us on February 9 for special hands-on activities, speakers and presentations to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Challenge implicit biases, widen your perspective on what makes a great scientist and imagine your future in STEM. What’s this day about? Science informs our present and our future, addressing issues that our society faces. More than ever today, the world needs science, and science needs women in all fields to bring different perspectives and solutions to global problems.

How are the sun and stars born? How can they live for billions of years? How do they turn into bizarre objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes? Join professor John R. Percy of the University of Toronto, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, as he presents his talk in a non-technical manner to anyone with a general interest in space, stars, the universe and more.

Did you know that about 85% of the stars in the sky belong to multiple-star systems? This month, our very own Bernie Venasse presents an introduction to DOUBLE STARS with emphasis on how to observe, measure and record your targets. Join him for an informative discussion about what you need to know to enjoy double-star observing.

For several decades, various space agencies have launched orbital missions exploring the universe, and the volume of accumulated data and imagery is staggering. The level of detail available allows scientists and engineers alike to explore planetary surfaces well beyond Earth. Join Dr. Bhairavi Shankar as we explore these findings and images, how and why we investigate planetary surfaces, and where we are now in our search. *Featuring hands-on elements*

In this talk and slide show, Michael Watson will discuss his 2018 and 2019 trips to Australia, which included several nights of stargazing and astrophotography from the dark skies of the Australian Outback. He will talk about how he prepared for the trip, the equipment that he took, and how he produced the photos that you will see. His astrophotos will be interspersed with photos of some of the sights from around the Land Down Under.

Quantum physics has taken its position with rocket science in pop culture as a shorthand for frighteningly complicated science. Quantum physics has also taken on a sort of magical connotation in fiction, with features like entanglement, superposition, and tunneling spurring imagination. But where does the science draw the line? How much is joyful speculation, and how much is disregard for reality? And if it’s always seen as either magical or scary, how does that affect the perception of quantum science?

The first In Her Voice event of 2020 will feature Amy Shira Teitel. Amy will be discussing and signing copies of her new book, Fighting for Space.

Where is the line drawn between 20th century science fiction and 21st century science fact? Back for its 16th rendition, the ASX Annual Symposium is planning on answering that question by featuring three masters of both fact and fiction. On February 28th, join Dr. Catherine Asaro, Dr. John G. Cramer, and Dr. Geoffrey A. Landis — scientists and science fictions writers all — on a fantastical odyssey through wormholes and to the very frontiers of extraplanetary colonisation.

Astronaut Dave Williams speaks on stage about his book, Defying Limits, and the challenges, surprises and unforgettable moments from his career as one of Canada's most accomplished astronauts.

The Big Bang theory tells the story of the beginning of the Universe, our cosmic home for the last 13.8 billion years. But what is the story of its end?