Toronto Kicks Off the International Year of Astronomy
10 janvier 2009
Toronto’s astronomical community invites you to enjoy an all-day festival at the Science Centre. Admission is FREE* for festival events ONLY. Availability is limited. For advance tickets call (416) 429-4100.
Highlights:
- An exhibitors hall featuring local and national astronomy organizations
- Observing the Sun’s dynamic surface through safely-filtered telescopes
- Space-themed music, films and art
- Astronomy workshops, displays, demonstrations and free giveaways
- Breathtaking images by Canadian astronomers
- Renowned speakers in astronomy and space sciences
Ivan Semeniuk, Science Journalist
Superscope! The Future of Cosmic Exploration
11 a.m.
Ray Jayawardhana, University of Toronto
Worlds Beyond: The Diversity of Extra-Solar Planets
1 p.m.
Michael Hiltz, MDA
Canadarm’s Role in Space Exploration
2:00 p.m.
Peter McMahon, Discovery Channel
Canada’s Star Stories: A guide to campsite astronomy in our nation’s wild spaces
3 p.m.
Only events listed here are free
Tickets must be purchased to visit other science centre exhibits
ALL-DAY EVENTS
TELUSCAPE (outside Main Entrance) - Solar Observing - Observing of the Sun’s dynamic surface through safely-filtered solar telescopes (weather permitting).
P&G Great Hall, Level B - Ask an Astronomer! Have a question about astronomy? Visit the Main Stage where astronomy and astrophysics students from the University of Toronto and York University will be eager to answer and equipped with space-themed props.
Studio 1, Level B - 3-D Astronomy Explore the Universe through stunning 3-D images!
Level A Bridge - Images from the Canadian Astronomical Image Database
Works from Canadian astrophysicists, astronomers, and astrophotographers will explore themes ranging from the latest breakthroughs in astronomical research to the individual-experience of the night sky.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS IN STUDIO 2, LEVEL B
11:30 a.m. – What's Up in 2009
Saturn loses its rings! Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada introduce you to the astronomical highlights of 2009.
12:30 p.m. – The Origin of the Universe
Neil Barnaby, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics
1:00 p.m. – The Massive Black Hole in our Galaxy
Robyn Levine, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics
2:00 p.m. – Bringing Stars to the City Sky
For city dwellers, light pollution has overwhelmed the wonders of the night sky. Find out how this happened and what you can do to bring back dark skies. Phil Hiscock, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Light Pollution Abatement Committee
3:00 p.m. – Apocalypse How: Countdown to the Great Collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy
John Dubinsky, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto
3:30 p.m. –The Ultimate Whirlpool: when two black holes coalesce
Latham Boyle, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics
WORKSHOPS
11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – Studio 3, Level B -Cosmic Classrooms: Astronomy for teachers**
Explore the Universe with the Science Centre! Visit the CA Planetarium (Toronto's only planetarium) at the Centre and get a preview of the curriculum-linked programs available to you and your students. Travel through time and space as you visit planets and moons of the solar system, find worlds orbiting other stars, float above the Milky Way galaxy and see what you can spot in the sky tonight.
**This program is restricted to teachers.
Phil Mozel, Science Educator, Ontario Science Centre
12:00 p.m. - TELUS Conference Room, Level A - Solar observing in Galileo's footsteps
Four hundred years after Galileo first turned his telescope on the Sun, amateur astronomers can observe it in ways he could never have imagined. Techniques of solar observing, and what we can learn about the nearest star, are discussed. Dr. Ralph Chou, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
12:00 p.m. - Studio 3, Level B - Astronomy for the Whole Family
How can the whole family get involved with discovering the universe? This presentation will look at astronomy activities for young and old: using binoculars and telescopes, using star charts, tools of the new astronomer, making the astronomical fashion statement and information for Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts who are working on their astronomy badges. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
1:00 p.m. - TELUS Conference Room, Level A - "Stargazing 101" - Learn How to Use your Telescope
Do you have or are you getting a telescope over the holidays? Experts from Khan Scope Centre will explain how to get the most out of your telescope! Learn some of the tips and tricks that make using an astronomical telescope easy. Alex Castillos, Khan Scope Centre
2:00 p.m. - TELUS Conference Room, Level A - Observing the Night Sky WITHOUT a Telescope
Find out what you can see in the universe through binoculars with members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
3:00 p.m. - TELUS Conference Room, Level A - Using a DSLR for Astrophotos
Today's DSLRs can take amazing astrophotos. Learn the basics of how you can use your camera for astronomy photography.
*Applies to ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL events ONLY. A separate admission ticket is required to access Ontario Science Centre exhibit halls, Shoppers Drug Mart OMNIMAX Theatre and Science Centre parking.
