| 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. _ |
Oct 21- Halifax Centre Members' Meeting
Time: 1:00 PM Atlantic (12:00 Noon, Eastern)
Place: Room AT101, Saint Mary's University, Halifax
SCO BBQ Sept 15 Cancelled - rescheduled to Oct. 14th (rain date Oct. 13th).
Rain? Again?
Yes, once again a storm coming up the Eastern Seaboard has affected our annual BBQ at the St. Croix Observatory (SCO). It means our BBQ is postponed for one month and there is also a change in the date for our October Member’s Meeting.
One exciting aspect of postponing it is the upcoming partial solar eclipse. Thank you to Roy Bishop who informed us at the previous Member’s Meeting “that [this] is the day of the 2023 annular eclipse across North & South America. According to the Handbook the partial eclipse for Halifax extends from 13:43 to 15:29 ADT.” Here is the plan.
Annual BBQ at SCO:
All RASC Halifax Centre members and guests are invited to join us at SCO. To assist us in planning food needed, please advise the Centre's Secretary if you plan to come and the number in your party by October 11.
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 (New Moon at 2:56 PM)
Time: 12 noon onwards
Partial Annular Eclipse 13:43 – 15:29 ADT {8%)
Social time
BBQ grill begins at 5:30 PM
If skies are clear, members and guests invited to stay to observe.
Rain Date: Friday, October 13, 2023 (yes, it’s the day before!)
Time: BBQ grill begins at 5:30 PM
If skies are clear, members and their families invited to stay to observe.
Food: Beef and chicken burgers with all the fixings, hotdogs, veggies and dip, fruit tray, chips and lots of beverages (water, soft drinks, and juice packs). Tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate will also be available. If you have special dietary requirements, the grill will be available to you.
Note: Due to no uptake on veggie burgers last year, they are not being offered.
BRING:
Plates, cups, utensils – as in the recent past, these will not be provided. Your chair, warm clothing, bug and tick spray (mosquitos may not show their face but cannot guarantee ticks have departed). Don’t forget your observing equipment – telescopes, solar scopes and binoculars with solar filters.
Change in Date – October Member’s Meeting
Postponed one week to October 21, 2023. Same time (1:00 – 4:30 PM) and hopefully hybrid. Members are encouraged to bring their observing stories, show off their newly acquired equipment (yay! Or not so yay), great books to read, upcoming events you would like members to know about…. anything astronomically exciting to you! No, a PowerPoint presentation isn’t necessary. Just talk to us and show us at our hybrid meeting - in person at SMU or online via Zoom. Can’t wait to see what this Centre can share!
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Officially open for 2023 Submissions: Each year, Halifax Centre hosts this contest to acknowledge the significant works of astrophotographers across Nova Scotia. |
RASC Astro Imaging Certificate Submissions. 
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.
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.
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The St. Croix Observatory is closed after the recent extreme rain events and the effect on the access road. We will evaluate the conditions at SCO once we are able to access it again.
Green Laser Pointer (GLP) Training
We have a limited supply of
2023 RASC Observing calendars ($25)
and 3rd ed. Explore the Universe Guides ($20) 
still available for purchase. They will be available in person at the members meeting or e-transfer the funds to treasurer_AT_halifax.rasc.ca
Two new books are available in our library
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| St. Croix Observatory is Open! |
The Halifax RASC YouTube Channel
Members' Meeting - April 2023
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