The BBQ Observing Night is rescheduled. Members and their guests are invited to attend the Annual BBQ & Observing night to the St. Croix Observatory (SCO).
 
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022

Time: BBQ starts at 5:00 PM ADT, observing sometime after 7:00 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 Meetings

Meetings of Halifax Centre are from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM on the FIRST SATURDAY of the month (except July and August). 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: Feb 4, 1:00 PM Atlantic (12:00 Noon, Eastern)
Place: Room AT101, The Atrium, Saint Mary's University or by Zoom

Saint Mary's University requires masks to be worn in classrooms.

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

Special Presentations:

    • Gary Welch (SMU Astronomy Professor Emeritus) - Gravity's Way: Shredding Galaxies on a LaptopGary Welch, SMU Astronomy Professor Emeritus
      This talk will show what can happen when a retired astronomy prof decides to scratch a long-festering itch. Milestones along his search for relief will blaze across the screen, including Python animations of star clusters tiny and large, and of galaxies both isolated and crashing. Projects for the future - dreams and just plain madness - might be mentioned if time allows.


    • Patrick Kelly (Halifax Centre) - The Sun is not an Average Star. The Earth is not an average planet.Patrick Kelly
      Stars and their planets form at the same time, from large clouds of gas and dust. The vast majority of stars are smaller, cooler, and less luminous than the Sun. Over 5000 exoplanets have been found so far; very few have properties similar to those of the Earth. Most people agree you need a carbon-based chemistry acting in liquid water for life to begin. Therefore, life on other planets (if it exists!) is expected to be found in the Goldilocks Zone around their stars, the distance at which a planet can have liquid water at its surface. This criterion alone rules out a lot of planets from having “life as we know it”. As it turns out, there are places in our own solar system with a lot more liquid water than Earth, so life may be a lot closer than we think!

    • David Hoskin  - Photo Montage and What's Up in the February Skies?
    • Paul Heath -  Food for the Soul
    • Pat Kelly  - News from the Board

 

Heads Up! 2023 Meeting Dates & Events
Members' Meetings are usually held on the first Saturday of the month, unless it falls on a holiday weekend. Let us know if you would like to give a presentation about a book you've read, observing session or a special interest you have.
Expect Chris Young's Sky Lore on alternate months.
 
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3
September 9
October 14
November 4
December 2 (Members Meeting + AGM)
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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 congregate 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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