Astronomy Speaker's Night: Taking Back the Night Sky: What We Can Do About Light Pollution
Visit a unique historical site in Richmond Hill and experience an engaging presentation led by experts and researchers in astronomy, covering a variety of exciting astronomy topics.
After the presentation, participants will tour the observatory and see a demonstration of the 74” telescope pointed to an interesting celestial object for the visitors to view (weather-dependent).
Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outside.
A registered adult must accompany all registered participants under the age of 16.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time in order to be signed in.
This program runs rain or shine.
Who can attend: Everyone
Registration Fee:
- Up to 14 years old: $15.69
- 15 or more years old: $17.72
Registration Link: ActiveRH
Organized by: RASC Toronto Centre
Location: David Dunlap Observatory
Abstract: In this talk, Quinton Weyrich will discuss his experience as an Astronomer in Residence at Killarney Provincial Park, the first provincial park in Ontario to be designated a dark sky preserve.
He will discuss what commitments a location must make in order to be designated a dark sky preserve and why the reduction of ambient light within them is scientifically and culturally valuable.
He will also go into detail on what light pollution is, what effects it has on our health and our environment, and what measures we as a society can take to deal with it.
Speaker bio: Quinton Weyrich is the outreach coordinator for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at the David Dunlap Observatory, as well as a regular Astronomer in Residence at Killarney Provincial Park in Killarney, Ontario.
As part of his work with the park, Quinton hosts weekly lectures and viewings at Killarney's one-of-a-kind observatory, which are open to all interested campers and members of the public.
He is a Masters' student at York University studying physics, and is involved in an atomic physics research project that seeks to measure an important physical property known as the electric dipole moment of the electron to a high degree of precision.
From 2020-2021, Quinton served as the student coordinator for the Allan I Carswell Observatory at York University, with whom he continues to collaborate on a monthly basis as a host of the astronomical radio program York Universe, hosted by the students, faculty, alumni, and friends of York University.
In his spare time, Quinton enjoys stargazing, writing, skiing, and hiking in the great outdoors.