Members and their guests are invited to attend the Annual BBQ & Observing night to the St. Croix Observatory (SCO).
 
Date: Saturday Sept. 7 2024
 
Time: BBQ start time to be determined, but it was last at 5:00 PM ADT, observing sometime after 8:00 PM when the stars begin to shine

Place: St. Croix Observatory
 
Burgers (beef, chicken and veggie), hotdogs, condiments, veggie tray, chips, cookies and a special cake will be provided to those in attendance. Hot (tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate) & cold (pop, water) beverages will also be provided.
 
Reminder: Any headlamp or flashlight you bring must be a red light or be covered with red cellophane.
 
Members are invited to stay (skies be willing) for an informal observing session following the BBQ - bring your astronomy gear. Representatives from Minas Energy will also be in attendance for us to show them why we appreciate this site.
 
For those new to astronomy and/or are visual observers, bring your binoculars (and telescopes if you have one) - you can see some wonderful objects in the sky. The Astroimagers in our Centre will be there taking pictures of the night skies that I am sure they would love to share. 
 
Bring layers of warm clothing to ensure you stay warm from the time of the BBQ through the observing session. There is a Warm Room and warm beverages will be available throughout the evening should anyone get cold, but be prepared for a cooler evening outdoors.
 
If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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RASC, Halifax Centre September 6th, 2025 Public Meeting 

David Hoskin - "All-in-One Smart Telescopes"

Meetings of Halifax Centre are from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM on the FIRST SATURDAY of the month (except July and August and OCT 2023). There may be exceptions if the date falls on a holiday weekend. All meetings and special sessions are recorded and are accessible on the RASC Halifax Centre YouTube channel. 

Time: September 7th, 1:00 PM Atlantic (12:00 Noon, Eastern)
Place: Room AT101, The Atrium,  Saint Mary's University or by Zoom

We would love to see you at Saint Mary's University. However, if you are a distant member or would prefer not to attend at this time, you can attend via Zoom. If there is a change in location at SMU, we will notify members beforehand.

Register for the Zoom meeting using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

 

Public Meeting

  • Welcome & Introductions - David Hoskin
  • Photo Montage - David Hoskin

  • David Hoskin - All-in-One Smart Telescopes

    The first smart telescopes from Unistellar and Vaonis, which were introduced several years ago, showed promise but were too expensive for the average amateur astronomer. The smart telescope market has recently exploded with updated models from Unistellar and Vaonis being joined by affordable smart telescopes from Dwarf Labs and ZWO. In addition, Celestron is introducing a high-end smart telescope to compete with offerings from Unistellar and Vaonis. David will present an overview of several all-in-one smart telescopes that are currently available.

  • Food for the Soul - Paul Heath
  • Night Sky What's Up? -  David Hoskin
  • News from the Board           
  
Paul Heath
David Hoskin
Tony McGrath
 
 
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Members may be found observing at the St. Croix Observatory on almost every clear, dark night. Once a month, we encourage members and their guests to Observe With Us at SCO, at which time new members are particularly welcome. 

Members are advised to sign up to the email discussion list to keep up to date on gatherings of fellow observers.

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The viewing field at Nova East

For over 30 years, the RASC Halifax Centre and other local groups have hosted the Nova East Star Party. It was originally established as the camping and observing weekend for the Halifax Centre and has grown to include participants from other astronomy clubs in the Atlantic region, and a number of attendees from the northeastern United States.

All participants come to enjoy dark skies on a weekend near the new Moon phase towards the end of summer. Nova East is held at Smiley's Provincial Park, near Windsor, Nova Scotia. A limiting magnitude of +6 is the norm. 

Nova East registrants have access to all events, including all talks, workshops and presentations, three nights of observing (weather permitting!), the potluck BBQ, the astronomers' breakfasts and the door prizes draw. Nova East Registrants have onsite parking (if camping) or adjacent site parking (if not camping).

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  1. Outreach

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