Come explore our precious place in the Cosmos featuring a talk by new Dunlap Institute Director Bryan Gaensler, planetarium shows, telescope observing, astronomy activities and exhibits, and a Chat with an Astronomer reception. Schedule•5:40 – 6:40 – Planetarium Shows (15 minutes each)•6:00 – 7:00 – Reception in the Earth Sciences Building Lobby•7:00 – 8:00 – Talk by Bryan Gaensler•8:00 – 8:15 – Post-Talk & Time to Walk to the Telescopes•8:15 – 10:00 – Telescope Observing, Activities, & Refreshments•8:30 – 9:30 – Earth Hour!

Join us for all manner of tips and tricks to make your observing or imaging sessions more enjoyable.

Speaker: Dr. Michael Reid, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics The Big Bang Theory is one of the crowning achievements of modern science. The basic premise—that the universe began expanding about 14 billion years ago from a very hot, dense state—has been independently verified many times over. And yet there is widespread confusion and uncertainty about what the theory actually says—and what it doesn't. 

Join us for our monthly recreational astronomy night meeting at the Ontario Science Centre. This is where our members get to show their latest projects, or give tutorials and tips on just about everything to do with Astronomy. Talks start at 7:30 socializing starts at 7:00.

Explore the universe with members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Large telescopes will be set up to give you amazing views of our Moon, the planets and more! Meet at the Chappell House Lawn. In case skies are not suitable for star-gazing on the scheduled date, the event will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at the same time.

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 our 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!

The moon moves in front of the sun, blocking 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.

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

Sarah Symons, Assistant Professor, McMaster University.

Journey into space without leaving the library! Take in an educational and eye-opening science show inside a giant mobile dome. The Ontario Planetarium is presenting 7 shows throughout the day at the following times: 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM and 5PM. The 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM shows are currently full. There are still spaces available in the shows at 4PM (for teens 13-17) and 5PM (for adults). To register or to be added to the waitlist, please call 416-395-5750.