Sidewalk Astronomy

Public Night - Open House At The Club Observatory

Public Outreach

Burlington "Discover Astronomy" Seminars

Astrophotography Night

Armchair Astronomy - An informal Discussion Group. Guests pick the topics

Check Out Our Event Calendar

Monthly General Meetings - Open to the public!

 We hold regular monthly meetings on the first Thursday of every month (except July & August). The highlight of the evening is a Guest Speaker who feature topics of a broad appeal. Topics can be everything from serious science, to fun and "quirky".

Most meetings also include other presentations such as:

• What's Up (in the sky) This Month - Highlights of the best objects to observe during the coming month.
• Equipment Tips and Tricks - Equipment recommendations, do-it-yourself projects, show & tell.
• Constellation of the Month..Astrology history (NOT astronomy) history, interesting facts, objects that can be seen in that part of the sky with a telescope or binoculars.

Meeting Location:

        The Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 551

         79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown, ON

Sidewalk Astronomy

It's exactly what it says: Sidewalk Astronomy

Club members bring out their telescopes, big and small, and invite passersby to get up close and personal with the night sky. All telescope owners love to show off their gear and take delight from the reactions that come from someone who is looking through a telescope for the very first time.

This is a monthly event that normally coincides with a 1/2 moon (approx. every 4 weeks). Friday night will be the preferred night and if it is cloudy we will try again the following night (Saturday).

What time? That depends on the time of year. In Summer it doesn't get dark until after 10:30 but in Winter much earlier. Check our Event Calendar for the exact time.

      Event Location:

    Spencer Smith Park 

     1340 Lakeshore Rd

      Burlington, ON

                 Look for the "rosette compas" along the waterfront.

This event does require clear skies so please check our Event Calendar for a "GO / NO-GO" announcement.

Public Night - A Public "Open House"

This is an invitation for the general public to take a tour of our club observatory and learn about our hobby. This is a "rain or shine" event but if it is clear you will be invited to observe through the club's 16" telescope (that means it's BIG!).

Do you own a telescope and don't know how to use it? Bring it along. If time permits, one of our club members will help you learn how to use it!

              Event Location: RASC Hamilton Observatory

             GPS Co-Ordinates: 43.390706,-79.923154

Public Outreach

RASC Hamilton participates in a number of public service roles that include:

• Scouts Canada - Provide guidance and curriculum to scout leaders which help scouts learn about astronomy and earn merit badges/pins.

• Light Abatement Initiatives - working with various levels of government, we participate in committees dedicated to reducing light pollution and at the same time, save energy and taxpayer dollars.

"Smack-Down" - Who's Got The Best Telescope?
This fun event is open to everyone. Club members bring their telescopes to the observatory for a fun night of observing with old friends and new acquaintances.

This event started out in Spring 2011 as the definative decision on who had the best telescope. You would expect that the biggest, most expensive telescope would win the battle but the smallest telescope ended up being the over-all favorite which gives credence to the old saying "the best telescope is the one you use most often".

We usually combine the evening with a BBQ & pot-luck dinner. So come out, bring your favorite BBQ flesh, and have a good time.

You do NOT need to own a telescope. There will be plenty others to look through including club equipment. Normally this is a "rain or shine" event but check the event calendar for a change of plans.

The Public Is Welcome!

Event Location: RASC Hamilton Observatory

   GPS Co-Ordinates: 43.390706,-79.923154

Burlington "Discover Astronomy" Seminars

This is a 4 part series of educational seminars organized by Burlinton Parks and recreation. Guest lecturers are RASC Hamilton club members.

      Stargazing (10yrs+)  (TTR# 238843)
      Solar System Exploration (10yrs+) (TTR# 238484)
      The Outer Reaches of the Milky Way (10yrs+) (TTR# 238485)
      Astronomy Tools 101 (10yrs+)  (TTR #238486)

Seating is limited and advance booking is required. For more information, see:

http://cms.burlington.ca/Page2506.aspx

     Event Location:

    Discovery Landing, Observatory Room

     1340 Lakeshore Rd

      Burlington, ON

Astrophotography Night

Astrophotography is one of the fastest growing and rewarding aspects of our hobby. Even the most modest budget can produce amazing results once you've mastered the basics. But the learning curve is quite steep. Fortunately our club abounds in skilled astro-imagers. 

Club member, Gary Colwell hosts this event which typically begins with a presentation followed by an "under the stars" practice session. This is a big subject that cannot be done in a single night, so sessions are broken into subject areas. For example:

-    Wide field imaging with conventional camera lenses and tripod

-    Basic long exposure techniques - multiple frames: align & combine, simple post-processing

-    Autoguiding - Equipment needed, basic "how-to" skills

-    Focusing techniques

              Event Location: RASC Hamilton Observatory

           GPS Co-Ordinates: 43.390706,-79.923154

Armchair Astronomy

This is an informal discussion group that meets each month (during a full moon) to gab about what ever topic you choose. Everything from current astronomy news to MacGyvering your equipment. Attendees drive the topics.

Event Location: RASC Hamilton Observatory

           GPS Co-Ordinates: 43.390706,-79.923154