Open House and Awards Picnic at the E.C. Carr Astronomical Observatory
You and your families are cordially invited to attend the 18th Annual Carr Astronomical Observatory (CAO) Open House and RASC Toronto Centre Awards Picnic on Saturday, June 6th, 2015. 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 C14 telescope and Paramount robotic mount, browse the Fred Troyer Library, enjoy a picnic in the country, and take part in the traditional model rocket launches.
In the past few years, accessibility to the CAO has been improved with the new deck, wheelchair ramp and member equipment lockers in the garage. In 2014, the basement kitchenette was transformed into a semiprivate dormitory with 3 roomettes. There are also several mattress pads and foldaway beds in addition to 9 beds upstairs. There is plenty of green space for camping.
An interpretive hike along the Margaret Paull loop and the Bruce Trail will begin at 1:00 p.m., with rocket launching beginning at 3:45 p.m. The Awards Presentation will begin at about 5:00 p.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime. The Centre will provide refreshments and snack foods (chips, pretzels, etc.). Various salads and other summer foods to add to the communal table would also be appreciated. Don't forget to bring along something to grill on the huge barbecue that will be available for your use and a lawn chair!
If skies permit, we will all 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! With moonrise at about 10:45 pm, we will be able to hunt down some deep sky faint fuzzies shortly after twilight ends.
To attend, please use the CAO Bookings form.
(National ID and password required) as soon as you can whether you are coming for the day or overnight. There is no charge to attend or stay overnight for the June 5-7 weekend.
For directions to the Carr Observatory, if you would like more information, or would like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact cao@rascto.ca.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there to take part in this great event!
CAO House Telephone: (519) 599-1184