Public Events
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is a working science facility. We are only open to the public during scheduled programs or events.
Milky Way Nights: July 16 - 19, 2026
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 new moon on July 14 will create fantastic sky conditions.
Milky Way Nights feature 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 the telescopes and ask astronomers questions about the universe.
There will be two different time slots available each night:
- 10:00 pm - 12:00 midnight
or
- 12:00 midnight - 2:00 am
Tickets will start going on sale at NOON on June 16 via Showpass:
- July 16 tickets will be at noon available on June 16
- July 17 will be available at noon on June 17
- July 18 tickets will be available at noon on June 18
$10 per person, children 7 and under do not need a ticket. Each ticket is only valid for the date and time listed on it. No tickets are available at the door. Please DO NOT come to the RAO without a ticket. All proceeds go to RAO educational programming.