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Clear Sky Chart: Will it be clear for observing tonight?

Choosing Binoculars (PDF) - what to consider when purchasing binoculars

Mini Messier Observing List "Deep Sky" for beginners (pdf)

Micro Messier Observing List for absolute beginners (pdf)

The National RASC Observing Page provides information regarding RASC observing programs and much more. It also provides observing tips and expectations.

Two lists of RASC Halifax Centre Certificate holders are provided:

Halifax Centre Observing Certificate Recipients

Halifax Centre Astroimaging Certificate Recipients

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The RASC Halifax Centre has its own observatory in a dark-sky location near St. Croix, just off Highway 101 between Halifax and Windsor. The St. Croix Observatory (SCO) was built by the members themselves, supported by donations and a generous land-lease arrangement with Minas Energy. The site consists of a roll-off-roof observatory that has room for members to set up several telescopes, a warm room for breaks, and a toilet and store room facility.

NOTE: In accordance with provincial COVID policy, restrictions on the SCO site were lifted as of March 21st, 2022. However, the RASC Halifax Centre still encourages members to wear masks, to distance themselves when appropriate, and to get vaccinated against Covid-19 if they have not already done so.

History and Construction Details

Read about the History of SCO and its 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Here are the general Guidelines for SCO use (pdf) and here is the information and manual for the Thurlow Binoculars (pdf).

SCO equipment is not available for loan.

 

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Enjoy dark clear nights away from city lights and the company of like-minded amateur astronomers who appreciate the wonders of the night sky. Most clear Moon-free nights, you will find our keen observers out there!

Observing Nights

Members can be found observing there most clear, dark nights. For more information, Contact Us .

The view from SCO

Become a SCO Key Holder

For a modest fee, members who have been in good standing for more than a year and who have been briefed on the operation of the observatory can gain access to the facility by having their very own key. Contact Us for details.

 

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Visiting SCO is a great opportunity to try different telescopes, including the Centre's 16" (40.6 cm) Sky-Watcher f/4.4 GoTo Dobsonian Reflector Telescope, which is dedicated to shared viewing those nights. 

Here is the Instruction Manual for the Skywatcher Telescope at SCO. (PDF)

Jane and Alfred Howard of North Grand Pré, NS generously donated a Celestron XLT-EDGEHD 8, with both a Telrad and 9x50 finder. Included also were a Hyperstar module in which the Cassegrain secondary mirror is replaced, thereby converting the telescope into an f/2 camera, plus an ATIK 428EX colour CCD, electronic focuser, and a Celestron Advanced VX equatorial mount.

 

SCO Gallery

View our SCO Gallery of photographs of the SCO and the original 17.5" telescope (since replaced).

 

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