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.
Capturing STEVE Space Night
SOLD OUT. Sorry, tickets are sold out for this event. We do not have a waitlist. Watch the Showpass website as tickets may become available if ticketholders cancel tickets.
The University of Calgary is going into space. FrontierSat satellite project led by undergraduate students in the Schulich School of Engineering and the Faculty of Science is bound for Earth’s upper atmosphere. FrontierSat will study STEVE, a slender column of charged particles that appears like a purple streak the night sky. Join members of the Calgary to Space mission team to learn more about this incredible Canadian research project. The Royal Astronomical Society will be presenting the ‘Sky Tonight’ which features the celestial highlights of Autumn.
Space Night hosts 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 look through telescopes and ask questions about the universe.
In the Sky - a waning crescent moon will provide dark skies, fantastic for observing. Saturn will be passing close to Earth on the southeastern horizon, and stars Altair and Vega will shine bright in the south and southwest. With Arcturus in the west, Capella in the north, and Deneb, alpha star of Cygnus the Swan flying overhead.
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 October 18, 2025 – 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. **Please dress for the weather**
Cost: $10 per person plus gst & fees – 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 September 18, noon
Black Holes Space Night
What do we know about black holes? And what do we still have to learn? These tiny, dense objects are some of the most intriguing in the universe. Join Dr. Sean Stotyn from the University of Calgary’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to learn more about the latest research. The Royal Astronomical Society will be presenting “The Sky Tonight” which features the celestial highlights of late fall.
Space Night hosts 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 look through telescopes and ask questions about the universe.
In the Sky - A waning crescent moon will provide dark skies, fantastic for observing. With Saturn in the southeast and Uranus in the northeast, it will be a busy night for planets. On the eastern horizon, the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, star cluster will shine bright. Nearby, the Andromeda Galaxy may be visible. Stars Altair, Vega and Capella will also shine bright.
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 November 15, 2025 – 7pm to 10pm
**Please dress for the weather**
Cost: $10 per person plus gst & fees – 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 October 15, noon - click here for tickets