Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Conserving the Wilderness of the Night Sky
Discovering Your Night Sky
Learn how to be a scientist by observing and gathering information about the night sky. Below are links to activities, tools, information and fun learning opportunities. Discover how you can observe the moon, take light brightness measurements, locate constellations, learn about the birds, bats and other animals which fill the skies at night. All of these creatures including humans need dark skies. Learn why and how astronomers and biologists measure and study dark skies. Just click on the images below for links to citizen science projects and how to Be a Scientist Activities:
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Be an Astronomer. The RAO's activity book is your ticket to the moon. Learn about our celestial neighbour and the importance of dark skies with fun facts and the latest scientific research. The RAO's guide to star magnitude measurements includes guidance on how to observe the moon also to measure the brightness of the sky.
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation
Be an Ecologist and learn more about the ASCCA which is a nocturnal preserve that 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.
Alberta Community Bat Program
Be a Biologist and learn more about bat conservation. Bats are active at night and have adapted all of their activities such as hunting and flying due to the rising amount of light pollution in the sky. Learn more about how you can contribution to the ACBP citizen science project.
Calgary Migratory Bird Response Team
Be an ornithologist and learn how to reduce risks faced by migratory species. Each migration period the response team works to survey birds and bats in Calgary. The response team identifies light pollution as one of those challenges. Learn more about their citizen science project and how you can help.
Moon shine
Doug Thorp, RASC
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Calgary Centre
Be a Great Citizen. Learn about how you can identify and mitigate light pollution in your community. The RASC is wonderful resource on how to observe the moon, planets and celestial objects. They also want everyone to have access to dark skies and a chance to connect to the universe.
What is Light Pollution?
Light pollution is unwanted artificial light that has a negative affect on humans, birds, animals, insects and plantlife. Our natural world is what is below our feet, on the ground, in the air and up above into our atmosphere. Conserving the wilderness of the night sky is as important today as protecting all other parts of our natural environment.
Enter your dark sky measurements
After you have followed the guidance of how, when and why to take the light brightness measurements for your community. All of the details and instructions are found in the step by step light measurement guide. Once you have taken your light measurements, click on the link and upload your data to our light pollution mitigation project.