A colour photograph of four young people gazing at the night sky.

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.

RAO Visitor Guide

Tickets are sold out. We do not have a waitlist but you can watch Showpass as tickets sometimes become available.

Each generation of astronomers draws a new map and calculates a new scale of the universe. Jason Nishiyama will be presenting “Weighing the Universe with your Bathroom Scale”. He will be exploring how we figure out the mass of things in a vast universe. The sky tonight presentation by the RASC will help you discover what is in the winter sky.

Space Night will feature access to an array of telescopes operated by University of Calgary astronomers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Calgary Centre. You will have the opportunity to look through the telescopes and astronomers will be on hand to answer questions.

In the sky – Close to the new moon the dark sky will create ideal observing conditions. Canus Major, the big dog will be chasing Orion the Hunter who is in pursuit of Taurus the Bull in the eternal chase across the southern sky. Jupiter rising in the east and Saturn will be visible throughout the evening.

What: Space Night Event at the RAO: Presentation 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 January 17, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. to 10p.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 and only those with a pre-purchased ticket will be admitted. No tickets are available at the door. All proceeds go to the RAO’s educational programming.

Tickets available on Showpass December 17, noon