Explore Your Night Sky
Use these tools and resources to observe the moon, sky, and constellations. Or, learn about birds, bats, and other animals that need dark skies.
Be an Astronomer
Milky Way Nights: July 16 - 19, 2026
See astronomers in their natural habitat, under dark moonless skies. Late night public observing is a unique opportunity to see deep sky objects such as planetary nebula and globular clusters. A new moon on July 14 will create fantastic sky conditions.
Milky Way Nights feature an array of telescopes operated by University of Calgary astronomers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Calgary Centre. Visitors will have the opportunity to look through the telescopes and ask astronomers questions about the universe.
10:00 pm - 2:00 am each night
Tickets will start going on sale at NOON on June 16 via Showpass. July 16 tickets will be at noon available on June 16, July 17 will be available at noon on June 17, and July 18 tickets will be available at noon on June 18.
$10 per person, children 7 and under do not need a ticket. Each ticket is only valid for the date listed on it. No tickets are available at the door. Only ticket holders will be admitted to the site. All proceeds go to RAO educational programming.
Citizen Science
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is calling on citizen scientists to make brightness observations of the night sky above their homes. Help us protect the wilderness of dark skies!
Learning Opportunities with RAO Partners:
Be an Ecologist!
Learn more about the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area, a nocturnal preserve near the RAO. It is dedicated to protecting habitat and providing space for native species of wildlife. Learn about the birds and animals that are active in the night and how the ASCCA conserves the land and night sky.
Be a Biologist!
Learn about bat conservation in Alberta. Bats are active at night. They have had to adapt the ways they hunt and fly due to light pollution in the sky. Learn more about how you can contribute to the ACBP through citizen science.
Be an Ornithologist!
Learn how to reduce the risks faced by migratory birds. The Calgary Migratory Bird Response Team surveys birds and bats in Calgary to learn how they are adapting to the challenge of light pollution. Learn more about their citizen science project and how you can help.
Be a Great Citizen.
Doug Thorp, RASC
Learn how you can identify and prevent light pollution in your community. The RASC wants everyone to have access to dark skies and have a chance to connect to the universe. They are a wonderful resource on how to observe the moon, planets and celestial objects.
What is light pollution?
Light pollution is excess artificial light that has a negative affect on humans, birds, animals, and plant life. Protecting the wilderness of the night sky is as as important as protecting the rest of our environment.
Measure the darkness of the sky near you
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is calling on citizen scientists to make brightness observations of the night sky over their homes.