Public Events

Milky Way Nights postponed due to smoke and wildfire conditions. The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory will not be open for the event and will be postponing to August 29, 30, 31, 2024, 10pm to 2am.
Please see eventbrite for ticket information and check your eventbrite emails.
You are welcome to a full refund if you are unable to attend the event on the new rescheduled date. You are able to cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before the event.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience. The wildfire situation in Alberta and British Columbia is terrible and heartbreaking. We are very sorry for all who are affected by the fires. 
 

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 August 29 (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Friday, August 30  (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Saturday, August 31 (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, Friday, Saturday July 25, 26, 27, 2024 – 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Cost:      Tickets at $10 per person. 

Thursday August 29 Tickets available on eventbrite June 25, noon

Friday, August 30 Tickets available on eventbrite June 26, noon

Saturday, August 31 Tickets available on eventbrite June 27, 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 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.