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
Alberta Skies Space Night
Sold Out - Waitlist is full
Developing new technologies and reaching news heights of research has been the mission of RAO Director Dr. Phil Langill. Join us to learn more about the new projects at the RAO when Dr. Langill explores the research possibilities of Alberta skies. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Calgary Centre will present “The Sky Tonight”.
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 bright waxing moon will fill the sky with light. The summer triangle returns on the eastern horizon and the brilliant alpha star Vega. In the west winter constellation are fading into the horizon.
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 May 10, 2025 – 9:00 p.m. to 12 a.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.
Sold Out - Ticket confirmation letters will be going out on March 28. Thank you for your interest in the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. Tickets are were available to the emails received in chronological order starting at noon on March 26. We do not have access to eventbrite and there are no tickets available on eventbrite. If you are registered for tickets you will receive a confirmation email. If not, you will receive a notice that your name is on the waitlist. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through updating our ticketing system.
2025 Space Night Schedule
Here are the Space Night and Milky Way Nights 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.
July 24, 25, 26
October 18
November 15
How to visit the RAO Event Facts