Public Events

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. 

Observations with the James Webb Telescope, Euclid Telescope, Gaia Star Counter and several newly planned missions have revealed data that has the potential of upending standard models and our understanding or the Universe. We are checking in with the new research and its possible implications. 

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 first quarter moon phase will create a sliver of light in the sky for great dark sky observing. Summer constellations will be rising in the east and Vega will compete with Sirius as the brightest star in the sky.

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 11 2024 – 9:00 p.m. to Midnight **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. 

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 July 25 (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Friday, July 26  (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Saturday, July 27 (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 July 25 Tickets available on eventbrite June 25, noon

Friday, July 26 Tickets available on eventbrite June 26, noon

Saturday, July 27 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.