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.

May 1, 2021 - RASC Members' Meeting

When: Saturday, May 1, 2021

Time: 1:00 PM Atlantic

Topic: Halifax Centre Members Meeting (via webinar)

Full details about the meeting will follow.

Special Presentation:
Chris Gainor (RASC Victoria Centre)- Amateur Use of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
Chris Gainor is the author of six books about space exploration and aeronautics, including his latest book Not Yet Imagined: A Study of Hubble Space Telescope Operations, which has just been published by NASA and is available for download from NASA. Chris is also Editor of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly, and Past President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

For a few years early in the lifetime of the Hubble Space Telescope, time on HST was made available to amateur astronomers. This talk will feature the story of the amateurs who got to use the world’s top space telescope, and it will discuss some of the opportunities still available for amateurs to use HST data.

Special Presentation: Tony Schellinck (RASC Halifax Centre) - Basics of Lunar Sketching
Details will follow shortly

Advance Registration will be required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


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.

  • June 5 (Speaker: Leslie Sage, Nature magazine's astronomy editor)

    Nova East Star Party: August 6-8 (New Moon: Aug 8)
    NOTE:      The Board of Directors will determine in April/May if this event should go forward based on the status of provincial restrictions related to the pandemic.

  • 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 April 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:
 

REVISED - SCO guidelines during Covid-19.

Previous Meetings and Events...

 

 

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