Dedicated to the Advancement of Astronomy and Allied Sciences

The Halifax Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) is an active association of amateur and professional astronomers, united by their appreciation of the night sky and the wonders it contains. The Centre is located in the provincial capital city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, but many members live in several outlying communities, other provinces, and even other countries. The roots of the Centre date back to 1951 when, with the help of Father Burke-Gaffney of St. Mary's University, the Nova Scotia Astronomical Society was founded. The NSAS became the Halifax Centre of the RASC in January 1955. The RASC prides itself in educating the general public about astronomy. The public programs sponsored by Halifax Centre include: lectures, public star nights, and activities during special astronomical events.

All photos and drawings on this site were created by RASC Halifax members, who reserve all rights.

June 5, 2021 - RASC Members' Meeting

When: Saturday, June 5, 2021

Time: 1:00 PM Atlantic (12:00 Noon, Eastern)

Topic: Halifax Centre Members Meeting

Registration details for the meeting will be required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Special Presentation:
Leslie Sage (Astronomy Editor for Nature magazine) - My Life with Nature
In mid-July 1993, Lesley Sage flew to London to start his new job as the astronomy editor of Nature. He spent almost six months in London, then relocated to the Washington DC office, where he has been for the past 27 years. He is also a senior visiting research scientist in the department of astronomy at the University of Maryland. He will talk about some of the highlights of his time at Nature, which include handling papers that won Nobel Prizes in 2019 and 2020. Feel free to ask him about some of the lowlights.

Special Presentation:
Chris Young (RASC Halifax Centre) - Astronomy Lore
Chris is well known in Halifax circles for his knowledge of astronomy lore from numerous cultures. This will be his first in a series. Details will be posted soon. 

Heads Up! 2021 Meeting Dates & Events

Members' Meetings are usually held on the first Saturday of the month, unless it falls on a holiday weekend. No meetings are held in July & August.

  • Nova East Star Party: August 6-8 (New Moon: Aug 8)
    CANCELLED as in -person event:      The Board of Directors are looking at potential ways it can be held - we'll be together but still be apart.

  • September 11 (Labour Day is Sept. 6) (Speaker - David Hoskin: Comet NEOWISE)
  • October 2
  • November 6
  • December 4 (+ AGM) - (Speaker at Members' Meeting: Dr. Phil Groff, Exec. Director, RASC)

 How Lunar Impact Craters are Formed (Paul Heath)

 

SCO Fundraising 

SCO Astrophoto Fundraiser

What's Up For May 2021 

The Sky Today at Sky News  

Read the Welcome Guide to Astronomy. (pdf)

Check out our Observing Aids, including the Clear Sky Chart, a sky map, and observing lists.

Visit our Dark Skies page.

Find out more About Us.

RASC eNews Service 

RASC Astro Imaging Certificate Submissions. 

Halifax Centre Astroimaging Contest and People's Choice Award 

Each year, Halifax Centre hosts this contest to acknowledge the significant works of astroimagers across Nova Scotia. Contest guidelines can be found on the Nova East website.   

 

 Looking for a telescope? There is a local telescope supplier in Dartmouth. Atlantic Photo Supply has been a long-time supporter of our Nova East Star Party.

New on our Halifax RASC YouTube Channel:
 

 SCO Closed
 (as of April 27, 2021) 

Previous Meetings and Events...

 

 

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