From the earliest days of the first hominids and through the epochs into the 21st century, mankind has held a deep fascination with the night sky. In today’s technological society, massive mountaintop observatories and high-tech space telescopes are at the forefront of astronomical research, but an ever-growing group of individuals continue to peer up from dark fields, secluded parks and their own backyards in the quest to explore and understand the universe.

Showtimes: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm How big is the universe? How can we seek to answer this question or understand the answer once we have it? Our universe is much bigger than we imagine it to be but, using analogies and visualizations, we can start to grasp its true dimensions. 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.

Join us and Durham Skies this September for free stargazing down by the edge of Lake Ontario. Before sunset, come and have a safe look at our nearest star through special solar-filtered telescopes, and then as the sky gets darker, get close-up looks at craters on the Moon and the captivating rings of Saturn.

What star is that? How can I spot Orion’s Belt? How many planets can I see without a telescope? Learn your way around the night sky. The Riverwood Conservancy, The Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada are teaming up to offer a 4-week course on astronomy. Upon completion the student will be able to identify the brighter stars and constellations.

There are astronauts and then there are space walkers. Only three Canadians have donned space suits and stepped into the void 400 km above the Earth to perform zero-G construction work on the International Space Station.

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.

The moon moves in front of the sun, blocking some of its light.

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

Paul Delaney, York 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. 

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.

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger guests. Look through telescopes, make some space crafts, visit the Skylab and find out what's really up there! Family Nights require tickets to be purchased in advance. This program runs regardless of sky or weather conditions. If skies are clear you can check out the night sky through a variety of telescopes including the biggest optical telescope in Canada! The evening also includes a presentation in our special Skylab that offers great (virtual) night sky viewing.

The Annual Algonquin Adventure (AAA) is an informal get-together of Toronto Centre and North Bay Astronomy Club members at the Mew Lake campground in Algonquin Park. This annual event takes place on the September New Moon weekend and features public observing on the Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are highly recommended as the Park fills for this event but space is usually available at the Lake of Two Rivers camp site that is a short walk or drive away.