NOVA Astronomy Course

/ 6 October 2015
Submitted by webteam.rascto… on 6 October 2015

Note: The fall course has now sold out but you can sign up to receive email updates about the Spring 2016 NOVA course. (The dates and location(s) have not been set yet.)

NOVA (New Observers to Visual Astronomy) is the public introduction to astronomy course that is designed to show the novice astronomer the wonders of the night sky and how to enjoy them. NOVA is presented by volunteers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), Toronto Centre.

NOVA is a six-week program this year. We are excited to offer a lineup of expert presenters who will introduce you to visual observing, the solar system, stars, deep sky objects, black holes, telescopes, cosmology, and so much more! We will focus more heavily on observational astronomy than ever before to give students the chance to see planets, the moon, and more up close. Each session may include, as time and weather permits, telescope observing after the classroom session.

NOVA 2015 will be offered in two different locations this year:

  • Sessions at York University (Petrie Science and Engineering building (PSE), classroom TBD) starting Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7pm sharp and continuing for six consecutive Thursdays, ending on Thursday November 26. TTC/GO/YRT-friendly and accessible location. Parking in Arboretum arcade $2.50/hr.
  • Sessions at the RASC-owned and operated David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) in Richmond Hill starting Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 7pm sharp and continuing for six consecutive Thursdays, ending on Thursday, December 10. Free parking. Please note that the DDO is not an accessible location.

Classes will be 2 hours in length, with a 15-minute break in the middle. As skies and volunteers permit, we will also provide telescope and night sky viewing for 60 to 90 minutes after each of the classroom sessions.

Spaces will be filled on a first-come first-served basis, and will be open for registration starting Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:00am.

Please click on the link below to register and indicate the NOVA 2015 course location you'd like to attend. Class size is limited to approximately 50 participants. Recommended minimum age for participants is 12 years old. Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult during each session.

Click here to register for the sessions at the York University location
Click here to register for the sessions at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) in Richmond Hill