Four young people stargazing

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

Solar Eclipse Maximum

Observe the partial solar eclipse at the Pop-up Observatory at the University of Calgary campus

On Monday April 8th, the Moon will block out a huge chunk of the Sun in the sky.  Join us to observe this amazing partial eclipse with the RAO’s pop-up observatory on the University of Calgary campus.  Solar telescopes, and a limited amount of eclipse glasses, will be available to safely view the eclipse, one per family. You will find the pop-up observatory in the green space next the LRT University Station. We will also have a remote viewing the total eclipse as it unfolds across the Eastern provinces and Continental United States via the internet.

A solar eclipse is when the apparent view of the Sun and Moon meet in the sky. The Moon appears to cover our view of the Sun and in Calgary 40 percent of the sun will be covered.

This is a sunny day event. If there is rain, snow or too cloudy, event will be cancelled. Please check this website and our social media for updates.

Time 11:48am Eclipse begins – Maximum 12:43pm – Eclipse ends – 1:38pm

Safety – looking directly at the Sun is not safe. The only safe way to view an eclipse is through special filters. Theses filters are installed on telescopes, solar binoculars and also in eclipse glasses. It is unsafe to look at the partial eclipse through unfiltered glasses, cameras, telescopes, binoculars or any other optical device. The concentrated solar rays can permanently damage eyes. 

What:    Public daytime observing & viewing through RAO telescopes

Who:     University of Calgary, Physics and Astronomy faculty and students

Where:  University of Calgary, Green Space #20, open area next to Taylor Institute and Engineering Buildings, parking is available in Lot 11

When:  Monday April 8 (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)  **you are invited to drop-in between these times**

Rex and telescope

Astrophysics on the Cutting Edge Space Night 2024

Astrophysics moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Space Night at the RAO annual student research night. A great chance to learn more about the amazing research that seeks answer to the biggest questions about the universe.

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 third quarter moon phase will create a bright target in the sky for great lunar observing. In the sky Orion the hunter will stand tall in the west and Leo the lion will be overhead in the south.

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 April 27, 2024 – 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. **Please dress for the weather**

Cost:      $10 per person plus gst & fees – tickets available on eventbrite. 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.

Tickets go on sale on eventbrite one month before the event date. 

South Terrace

How to visit the RAO Event Facts