Open House and Awards Picnic (OHAP) 2024 at CAO

Invitation to all members

You and your families are cordially invited to attend the 26th Annual Carr Astronomical Observatory (CAO) Open House and RASC Toronto Centre Awards Picnic on  Saturday, July 6th, 2024. With ample shelter available in the house and observatory, this is a rain or shine event, so plan to be there. It provides a great opportunity to network and socialize with your fellow members.

Tour the Geoff Brown Observatory with its Paramount robotic mount and 16-inch RC telescope.  Check out our remote Sue-Lora Observatory, SLO. Browse the Fred Troyer Library, enjoy a picnic in the country, and take part in the traditional model rocket launches.

An interpretive hike along the Margaret Paull loop and the Bruce Trail will begin at 1:00 p.m., with rocket launching beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Awards Presentation will begin at about 4:00 p.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime. Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, bug spray and
warmer clothing for evening observing.

The Toronto Centre will provide refreshments and snack foods (chips, pretzels, etc.). Various salads and other summer foods to add to the communal table would be appreciated. Don't forget to bring along a refillable water bottle and something to grill on the huge charcoal
barbecue that will be available for your use!

Also to help mark the CAO’s 26th anniversary, RASC TC logo wear will be available as well as license plate covers, so bring along some cash to purchase yours.

If skies permit, we will do some dark-sky observing in a safe and friendly environment. Bring your telescopes and binoculars, but don't worry if you don't have any of your own; our astronomers have been taught to share the view! Or use the available equipment on the site.
With a favorable moon phase, we will be able to hunt down some deep sky faint fuzzies shortly after twilight ends. 

In addition to 12 beds, there are several mattress pads and foldaway beds available. There is plenty of green space for camping or RVs and several B&B’s nearby. If you haven’t attended an event at the CAO before, this video of a previous StarBQ will give you an idea of what’s
in store: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBuYo_bXDhU

To register your attendance, please use the CAO Bookings form on our website as soon as you can, whether you are coming for the day or overnight. There is no charge to attend or stay overnight, but we ask you to register so the organizing committee will have enough
refreshments and snacks.

For directions to the Carr Observatory, if you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer to help, please contact hello@rascto.ca. We look forward to seeing many of you at this great annual event!

Tom Luton
President
 

Who can attend: Members Only

Registration Link: CAO Booking Form  (National ID and password required)

Location: E.C. Carr Astronomical Observatory

Organized by: RASC, Toronto Centre