Toronto Centre members and their families are cordially invited to attend the 19th Annual Carr Astronomical Observatory (CAO) Open House and RASC Toronto Centre Awards Picnic on Saturday, June 24th, 2017. With ample shelter available in the house and observatory, this is a rain or shine event, so plan to be there. It provides a great opportunity to network and socialize with your fellow members.

“Is there life elsewhere” is one of the key questions that Astronomers face today. Join us as Prof. Michael De Robertis presents the latest scientific findings and techniques.

The moon is between us and the sun. Without the moon in the sky at night, deep sky objects are easier to observe.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm There are many misconceptions about our universe, and the most common one is also the simplest – its size. Our universe is much bigger than we imagine it to be, and only through visual aid (such as a planetarium) can one really grasp the true dimensions of it. This planetarium show will journey through the different scales of the universe, starting with familiar objects like the moon and the Earth, and ending with the furthest reaches of the observable universe.

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.

Watch the recorded video of the meeting on YouTube

This is the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, and the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere. The Sun will have reached its northernmost position in the sky, with the north pole tilting towards the sun.

See the milky way and galaxies with the unaided eye. Point your telescope to find the many dim deep space objects that sprinkle the sky. Away from Toronto's light polution, there is so much to see. We observe from the Long Sault Conservation area, an hour outside of Toronto. We meet around dusk once a month in the parking lot for views only seen in dark sky conditions. We hold this event on the first clear night of our week-long window, so the date and time are determined closer to.

Showtimes: 7:00pm and 8:10pm

Woodhouse Brewing Co. presents the latest round of Solar System Social, Toronto's planetary science speaker series.

Join us to learn about the grand discovery of gravitational waves, whose existence was first predicted by Albert Einstein a hundred years ago. Learn what gravitational waves are, the journey scientists have taken in order to detect them, and the impact this discovery has on physics and astronomy.

If astronomy was an Olympic sport, Canada would surely be a medallist. In this profusely-illustrated, non-technical presentation, you will learn about the amazing astronomical discoveries, inventions, facilities,and people that put Canada at the forefront - from Standard Time, to black holes and the birth of the universe. Presented by Professor Emeritus John Percy, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Dunlap Institute.