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
Space Night October 10!
Our first Space Night of the fall will take place on Saturday, October 10.
SOLD OUT. Join the waitlist here.
*Please do not come to the RAO unless you have a confirmed ticket. We are running at capacity for each event. Showpass will contact people on the waitlist if tickets become available for purchase. See more details here.
What: Space Night at the RAO!
Who: University of Calgary Department of Physics and Astronomy
Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, east side of Highway 22, 2.4 km south of Hwy 22 and Hwy 22x interchange.
Presentations:
Mathew Yastremski: I’ll Take “Energetic Electrons” for $500
TRBEC may sound like a game show host, but there are no daily doubles here—just millions of extremely energetic electrons zipping around Earth. These particles live in the Van Allen radiation belts, giant doughnut-shaped regions of space where conditions can change dramatically during geomagnetic storms. Sometimes electrons flood in; sometimes they vanish. TRBEC, or Total Radiation Belt Electron Content, lets us step back and ask: how many are in the belts altogether? In fifteen minutes, we’ll count some space electrons, explore why the radiation belts are so unpredictable, and find out why satellites would really prefer we understood them better.
The Sky Tonight
Roland Dechesne of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Calgary Centre will present an overview of current and upcoming events in the night sky.
Telescopes:
In addition to presentations, Space Night features access to an array of telescopes operated by University of Calgary astronomers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the night sky and ask questions about the universe.
Event runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. This event is geared towards older children, youth and adults.
Ticket Details:
You must choose one of the following timeslots:
- 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
or
- 9:15 pm - 11:00 pm
To prevent overcrowding, please limit your visit to the time slot you have chosen. Give everyone a chance - buy only the number of tickets you plan to use. Thank you!
$10 per person plus ShowPass fees. Children seven and under do not need a ticket. Each ticket is only valid for the date and time listed on it. No tickets are available at the door. Please DO NOT come to the RAO without a ticket. 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.