Booking Information

Booking Your Visit

Please book at least two weeks in advance. 

Evening programs are two hours long, starting at 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00 pm. Daytime programs are generally from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, but we can adjust to accommodate your needs. Our school programs are designed for 30 students, but we may be able to accommodate larger groups. Please contact us at least four weeks in advance to discuss.

Contact Jennifer Howse, Education Programs Manager, at jihowse@ucalgary.ca or (403) 471-2005. Once we register your group, we will email confirmation with the date, time, and any special arrangements.

Cost

$8.00 per participant, including GST. No charge for teachers, group leaders, or chaperones. Payment is expected on the day of the program, and a receipt is provided. 

Cancellation Policies

If you need to cancel your visit, please contact the RAO as soon as possible, at least 7 days in advance. There is no cancellation fee. If you would like to reschedule, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

The RAO has the right to cancel programs due to weather. Access to the unpaved observatory road is subject to adverse conditions. We will contact you as soon as possible if the forecast weather could affect your visit. Please make sure you have a way to contact all your participants quickly, to update them on the situation. 

Preparing for Your Visit

  • Have the University of Calgary Risk Management form that was emailed to you, signed by your school or organization administration. A completed copy will be emailed back to you for your records.
  • Contact the RAO to discuss any accessibility needs or concerns.
  • Adult chaperones are required for youth groups. Please follow your school board or organization’s minimum student to chaperone ratio. **The RAO requires at least one adult chaperone for every 20 youth.**
  • Review the RAO Social Contract with your group and chaperones.
  • Be prepared to divide your group into 2-3 smaller groups, each with adequate adult supervision.
  • Advise everyone in your group to dress for the forecasted weather.
  • Ensure participants bring their own food and drink, if needed.
  • Ensure participants have pencils or pens, if required.
  • Backpacks are allowed, but they must be left in the interpretive centre.
  • Plan to arrive at the RAO no more than 15 minutes before the start of your program. If you will be early or late, please call (403) 931-2366. 

Health and Safety

Dress for the Weather

Part of your program will take place outdoors. The RAO is a rural, exposed, hilltop site. The weather here is often colder and windier than in the city. All participants should dress appropriately. This includes:

  • Winter: winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves.
  • Spring and Fall: warm coats and sturdy outdoor shoes.
  • Summer: jackets, sturdy outdoor shoes, hats, sunscreen and insect repellent if needed.

Bring Your Own Food and Drink

The RAO does not provide food or drinks. Water fountains are available in the washrooms at the interpretive centre. 

Wildlife in the Area

There may be wildlife or farm animals around the RAO buildings. For your safety, please do not interact with them.

First Aid

One or more RAO staff members on-site have Level C first-aid certification.

General Risks

  • highway travel to and from the RAO
  • uneven ground onsite
  • dark conditions in the evening
  • wildlife and insects
  • exposure to weather

Emergency Procedures

Call 911 for all emergency services. Our address is: 198070 Highway 22. Phone number: (403) 931-2366.

Evacuations

  • During an alarm or emergency RAO staff will assume FULL AUTHORITY of all visitors on the site. They are in control until emergency services arrive, or the emergency is resolved.
  • RAO staff will make certain that the municipal Fire Department or EMS has been notified.
  • Ensure all visitors are out of building or danger area and a count is taken to verify that no one is in building or in danger.
  • RAO staff will meet EMS personnel and inform them accordingly.
  • All buildings on the RAO site have at least two exits. The observatory building has two floors, each floor has two exits. 

Missing Persons 

  • All visitors and staff will gather in the parking lot and a head count taken.
  • No one can leave the site until the missing person(s) is found.
  • All buildings will be checked for missing person(s).
  • The surrounding site will be searched until missing person(s) is found. RAO staff will inform EMS if missing person is not located. 

RAO Social Contract

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working science facility operated by the University of Calgary. All visitors must follow the guidelines below during their visit. They are designed protect visitor safety, as well as the RAO’s equipment and research.

  • Walk, do not run.
  • Do not touch anything without a staff member’s permission.
  • No food, drink, or gum in the laboratory building.
  • Leave all bags, backpacks, and unneeded belongings at the interpretive centre.
  • Always stay with your group.
  • Speak quietly and do not disturb staff working at the RAO.

Visitors who do not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave.

Download Contract as a PDF