Human survival depends on planetary settlement. While Mars is the top candidate for hosting human settlers, significant ethical and logistical controversies surround the prospect of sending humans to the Red Planet. ASX has assembled a team of experts to examine those questions. Is there an ethical way to put humans on Mars? Can we search for Martian life without harming it? Are there any contemporary projects that could feasibly send humans to Mars? If not, when will we be able to launch a Mars mission? And does Canada have a role in the future of space travel and planetary settlement?

We’ll take a tour, from our own backyard out to the edge of the observable Universe using real photographs and images from amateur and professional astronomers, as well as space-borne telescopes. With Chris Vaughan (aka @astrogeoguy), we’ll take time to appreciate the beauty of the images and learn some fascinating science behind each of them. The Aurorae, the Sun, mighty Jupiter and beautiful Saturn, the most beautiful parts of our own galaxy, and our distant neighbours will be delights for the eyes.

Tafelmusik's Tafelscene and TSO's TSOUNDCHECK join forces for the third annual 35 & Under movie night, presenting 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Hover above the moon like an astronaut and get eye-to-eye with the planets. Find colourful stars, star clusters, bright nebulae and even another galaxy. Our monthly City Star Party is the place to catch universe from within the city limits at Bayview Village Park. If you don't have a telescope then you will find many astronomers who would love to share a view. If you are thinking of buying a telescope, viewing with other people's equipment is the best way to make a good choice. If you have a telescope or binoculars, please bring it!

Join us at the Ontario Science Centre for our monthly Solar Observing on the TELUSCAPE observing pad. This is the area in front of the Science Centre's entrance. We use specialized telescopes that are safe to aim at the Sun. Check our home page on the Friday prior for go/no-go calls as this event is weather dependent.

A period in which you can view all Messier objects in one long night.

Long ago Vincent van Gogh said, “The lamps are burning and the starry sky is over it all.” How times have changed with the emergence of light pollution. Today, bright city lights are burning all over the evening sky outshining the greatest night show on earth to the detriment of future generations. If the starlight storytellers are to disclose the tale of the universe, then the night needs to stay alive. This lecture presentation will examine light pollution from its onset; discuss its consequences, and then outline the proactive measures one can take to curb its effects.

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.

Recent searches have turned up thousands of planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy. What strange new worlds are out there and can some of them support life? With astronomer Dr. Matt Russo. Presented in collaboration with the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics.

George Conidis, PhD Candidate in Physics & Astronomy, York University

See for details http://www.rascto.ca/content/nova-astronomy-course-

Total solar eclipse