In the late 1920s, Edwin Hubble discovered that distant galaxies were receding away from us, implying that the universe itself was expanding. Seventy years later, it was found that the universe is not only getting bigger, but increasing in its rate of expansion. The mysterious substance behind this accelerated expansion has been given the name 'dark energy', and its discovery earned three cosmologists the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011. For the month of September, Liam Connor, a Ph.D.

Join us for a long weekend star party under the famous pristine dark skies of Algonquin. It’s a great way to make new friends, talk astronomy, and enjoy the camaraderie of others around the communal campfires. Algonquin Park also offers lots of daytime activities like hiking, museums, art galleries, swimming, canoeing, and bird watching. This years’ Annual Algonquin Adventure takes place from Thursday September 5th through Sunday 8th.

Want to learn to image? Want to see galaxies and the milky way naked eye? Want to do it less than an hour from Toronto? Then join us for our monthly Dark Sky Star Party at the Long Sault Conservation area. We meet around dusk once a month in the parking lot for views only seen in dark sky conditions. Check our homepage for Go/ No-Go calls as this event is weather dependant. We hold this event on the first clear night of our week-long window, so the date and time are determined closer to.

The big blue planet will be at its closest approach to the Earth, it's face fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view or photograph Neptune, though you'll need a fairly powerful telescope to resolve major details.

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 new Skylab. Star talk nights run regardless of weather conditions. 

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger guests. Look through telescopes, 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 new Skylab that offers great (virtual) night sky viewing.

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 new Skylab. Star talk nights run regardless of weather conditions. 

Want to see the rings of Saturn? What about bright nebulae or galaxies? Our monthly City Star Party is the perfect place to catch the views within the city. Looking to buy a new scope? Come check out other people's equipment, or bring your own if you're unsure how to use it. We meet once a month during the week of the full moon, at Bayview Village park. It's a short bus ride north of Bayview station. Check our homepage for Go/ No-Go calls as this event is weather dependant.

The Perseids are always a spectacular show, with up to 60 meteors an hour visible at its peak. Look to the constellation Perseus under dark skies, and you'll be guaranteed an awesome show.

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 new Skylab. Star talk nights run regardless of weather conditions. 

Join us at the Ontario Science Centre for our monthly Solar Observing on the TelusScape observing pad. We meet the first Saturday of every month with our 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 dependant.

Family Nights are a great introduction to the night sky for our younger guests. Look through telescopes, 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 new Skylab that offers great (virtual) night sky viewing.