Public Events
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is only open to the public during our special events.
The Universe is calling.....
Answer it at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Jumping into the Void - Space Night Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO)
Enigmatic and incomprehensible, black holes continue to intrigue and bewilder astronomers. In particular, the origins of supermassive black holes, which reside in every giant galaxy known, are still a point of debate. Key to understanding them are some of the smallest galaxies in the universe - the so-called “ultra-compact dwarf” galaxies. Dr. Matt Taylor will bring you up to speed on the latest research on this subject based on observations done by the James Webb Space Telescope. Sometimes the most massive objects come in the smallest of packages.
In the sky – The waxing first quarter moon phase will create a sliver of light for great dark sky observing. Saturn will be rising in Aquarius and also in the eastern sky is the mighty mythical Pegasus.
Space Night an opportunity to attend a lecture on astronomy. If skies are clear and conditions allow for observing with 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.
Date and time:
When: Saturday, October 5 (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
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
Cost: Tickets at $10 per person.
Tickets go on sale on Eventbrite on September 5, noon
Ticket information
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 and Sales Ended means we are at maximum capacity.
All proceeds go to the RAO’s educational programming.
You can get a refund on tickets up to 24 hours before the event. Refunds are obtained through eventbrite.
No dogs allowed except for service dogs.
No alcohol is allowed on site.
Violent Universe Space Night
Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are incredibly luminous and distant celestial phenomena that represent an early stage in the evolution of galaxies. Quasars are ultimately powered by supermassive black holes that sit at the center of some young galaxies. These black holes are surrounded by an accretion disk of gas and dust which, as it falls into the black hole, heats up and emits enormous amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. Nico Koenig will give a general overview of Quasars including a review of their history and our current understanding of the phenomenon. He will also explore the outstanding issues and explore the current cutting-edge research aimed at solving them.
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 – The waxing first quarter moon phase will create a sliver of light for great dark sky observing. Saturn will be rising in Aquarius and also in the eastern sky is the mighty mythical Pegasus.
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 2, 2024– 7 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. **Please dress for the weather**
Cost: $10 per person plus gst & fees – tickets available on eventbrite. Ticket required for ages 8 years 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 are admitted. No tickets are available at the door. All proceeds go to the RAO’s educational programming.
How to visit the RAO Event Facts