Public Events
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working science facility. We are only open to the public during programs or events.
The Universe is calling... answer it here.
Space Night April 2026 - SOLD OUT
What: Space Night Event at the RAO: Presentations and viewing through RAO telescopes
Who: University of Calgary, Physics and Astronomy
Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, east side of Highway 22, 2.4 km south of Hwy 22 and Hwy 22x interchange
When: Saturday April 18, 2026 – 8:30 p.m. to 11:30p.m. **Please dress for the weather**
Cost: $10 per person plus GST & fees – tickets available on Showpass. Ticket required for ages 8 and up, please note that the event is geared towards older children and up. This is a ticketed event. Only those with a pre-purchased ticket will be admitted. No tickets are available at the door. All proceeds go towards the RAO’s educational programming.
Tickets available on Showpass at 12:00 noon on March 18.
Students at the University of Calgary are on the cutting edge of physics and astronomy research. Speakers include Rebecca Booth, PhD Candidate in Astrophysics, asking "What can the polarisation of radio waves tell us about the Milky Way?"; Mathew Yastremski, PhD student in Space Physics with "The TRBEC (This is about radiation belts, not game show hosts!)" and Hannan Bashir, superstar intern at the RAO, speaking about his current work.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Calgary Centre will present “The Sky Tonight”, an overview of current and upcoming celestial events.
As well as 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 – Calgary Centre. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the night sky and ask questions.
In the sky – a tiny sliver of the waxing crescent moon will leave the sky dark and ideal for observing. Venus will be bright on the western horizon just after dusk, and Jupiter and Sirius will be visible further south. We may also catch glimpses of the Lyrids meteor shower in the lead up to its peak on April 21-22.
Future Space Nights:
Saturday, May 9 2026
Tickets sales start one month in advance of the event date. Please watch this webpage for updates and details.