Saturday, November 15th
8pm to 11pm
Entrance fee: $20 per car or $10 per person*
Preserving the wilderness of the night sky is an important mission of astronomers. This is the easiest form of pollution to mitigate, yet light abatement is the one of the most misunderstood. Join us to learn more about the dark night sky and what can be viewed with the benefit of properly designed lighting.
In the sky – The eternal chase continues with Taurus fleeing from Orion the hunter in the eastern sky, letting us know that winter is on its way.
The open house event will also feature access to an array of telescopes operated by University of Calgary astronomers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society. Attendees will have the opportunity to look through the telescopes and Astronomers will be on hand to answer questions.
*all proceeds go towards our educational programming.
No need to pre-register
Sky viewing is out of doors, so please dress for the weather. You are welcome to bring a flashlight (red or dim is preferred).
If the sky is cloudy then we will not be able to operate the telescopes. If very poor weather conditions persist then the observing event is canceled. Watch the website for sky conditions and updates.
How to Find Us
Drive south on Macleod Trail, go west on hwy 22X for approximately 15 minutes, turn south on hwy 22 for 2.4km, the RAO is located on the east side of the hwy.
GPS coordinates: Lat 50.868039 deg N, Long 114.291142 deg W
Highway address 200, 198070 Hwy 22
About Rothney Observatory
As one of the principal research facilities within the University of Calgary’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
As one of Canada’s best-equipped astronomical teaching facilities, providing university students with the opportunity to use research-grade telescopes, an integral part of the undergraduate astronomy curriculum.
As an astronomy resource for school children, teachers and community groups. The RAO strives to serve the community as a resource to science educators and as a catalyst for science education in Alberta.
As a venue for the public to connect with the universe through our public events and Open Houses.