RASC Toronto Centre Fall Winter Star Party at CAO 2025
The cold crisp nights of winter contain many wonderful and bright winter constellations and deep sky objects, but they can come with numb fingers and cold toes, treacherous driving conditions, and equipment challenges. Following two clouded out Messier Marathon weekends this spring, an idea was hatched to hold a Fall Winter Star Party at the E.C. Carr Observatory on Blue Mountain, when winter objects can be observed and imaged in comfort during the hours before dawn in October!
The date selected is the weekend of October 24-26. The idea is to have everyone rest/nap/sleep in the evening and then rise in the wee hours and observe until dawn - after which all can meet over breakfast. That weekend, the post-midnight sky will be moonless and fully dark until the onset of astronomical twilight at 6:15 a.m. As a bonus, the artificial lights from Collingwood and beyond should be greatly reduced and the breezes calmer, improving atmospheric seeing.
At 2 a.m., the westernmost autumn constellations will be transiting. Orion, Taurus, Auriga will take their place high in the south towards 4 a.m. - and the CAO’s low southern horizon will make the objects in Eridanus, Lepus, Canis Major, and Puppis - many of which are required for the various RASC observing certificates - far easier to nab. That weekend is also the peak of the Orionids meteor shower and the period when the morning Zodiacal Light is active. And no bugs!
Toronto Centre member Chris Vaughan, who has completed all but two objects in the RASC visual observing programs, has offered to serve as the Observing Supervisor, providing advice on targets, apps, books, charts, etc., and to monitor the weather forecast approaching the weekend for Go-NoGo calls.
We request that everyone attending this special event agree to forgo evening observing and imaging in order to allow your supervisors and attendees to make the most of the morning window. (The prior Oct 17-19 weekend will be a regular supervised new moon weekend for evening observing.)
Members will need to book attendance to CAO online in the usual manner and spaces will be limited. Of course there is always space for electric camping and RVs. All will need to bring their own bedding and usual pack list items (including warm clothes and footwear), and all food and drink for the duration of their stay.
There’s no need to bring a telescope if you don’t want to as there are several on site for members to use and the GBO will be open. The CAO will be open from Friday mid-afternoon to Sunday afternoon. This special event will be free of any site fees to all TC members.
Please book your space online at:
https://rascto.ca/membership/cao-bookings-form
See you there!
Who can attend: Closed Event - Members only
Fee: No fee special event
Registration Link: Please book CAO use per usual instructions on the member portal.
Location: E.C. Carr Astronomical Observatory, Blue Mountain.
Organized by: RASC, Toronto Centre