Public Events
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working science facility. We are only open to the public during programs or events.
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Space Night March 2026
Space is the next frontier; Albertans are ready for this next chapter. “Albertans in Space” is an upbeat fun Podcast that aims to encourage education and discussion on what the imminent growth of the Space sector means. Meet podcast hosts Zac Trolley and Meghan Westelmajer who are sharing their amazing take on the innovative work of Albertans in near earth space and our place in the universe. Supported by TELUS STORYHIVE and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, they explore the endless future possibilities for Alberta.The sky tonight presentation by the RASC will help you discover what is in the spring 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 – A first quarter moon in Aries will appear as a sliver of light and allow for the dark sky conditions for ideal observing. Orion will fill the southern sky with his raised shoulder star Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star slowly moving toward supernova phase. Jupiter will be visible in Aries and lovely Venus will be setting in the west.
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 March 21, 2026 – 8:00 p.m. to 11:00p.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.
Space Night April 2026
Students at the University of Calgary are on the cutting edge of physics and astronomy research. Join us to learn more about their 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.
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.
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.