Public Events
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working science facility and is only open to the public during our special events
The Universe is calling.....
Answer it at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Milky Way Nights 2025
See astronomers in their natural habitat, under dark moonless skies. Late night public observing is a unique opportunity to see deep sky objects such as planetary nebula and globular clusters. A waning quarter moon will create perfect dark skies conditions for observing. Check our website all sky camera for up to the minute sky conditions.
In the sky - Close to the new moon, the dark sky conditions are perfect for viewing the summer sky. Soaring above is the eagle constellation which brightest star is the young herdsman Altair who falls in love with Vega as she weaves the fabric of the universe.
Dates and times:
Thursday July 24 (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Friday, July 25 (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Saturday, July 26 (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Milky Way Nights is an observing event and features 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.
What: Public Observing 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:
Thursday, July 24 - 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Friday July 25 - 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Saturday July 26 - 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Cost: Tickets at $10 per person.
Thursday July 24 Tickets available on June 24, noon
Friday, July 25 Tickets available on June 25, noon
Saturday, July 26 Tickets available June 26, noon
Ticket information
Ticket purchase information will be posted soon
Only ticket holders will be permitted into the site. This is a ticketed event and only those with a pre-registration ticket will be admitted.
Seven years and younger do not require a ticket,
Tickets are non transferrable, tickets are only good on the date printed on the ticket
Please do not come to the observatory without a ticket, we do not have tickets available at the door. Sold out means we are at maximum capacity.
All proceeds go to the RAO’s educational programming.
2025 Space Night Schedule
Here are the Space Night scheduled for 2025.
Tickets will go on sale one month in advance of event. Watch for updates on speakers and timing and themes for events.
October 18
November 15
How to visit the RAO Event Facts