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Niagara Centre
Welcome to the homepage of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), Niagara Centre. Since it was founded in 1890, the RASC has filled a special role in both amateur and professional astronomy. Today, it has almost 5000 members who share a passion for the night sky and make contributions to astronomy in many ways. The Niagara Centre, which is one of 27 Centres, or chapters, of the RASC, has been bringing astronomy to the citizens of the Niagara Region since 1960.
To learn more about Niagara Centre, please take a look at our latest Whirlpool publication. A printable Membership is also available in the “About” page if you would like to become an active member.
Scheduled Events
Saturday 27th June
Star-B-Q at the CCCA Observatory ( Niagara Centre Members Only)
Public Stargazing at the CCCA Campgrounds. Open to the public, every one welcomed. Free Admission
Saturday 11th July
Public Stargazing at the CCCA Campgrounds: Open to the public, every one welcomed. Free Admission
Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th., July
Campout at Rock Point Provincial Park
Friday 24th. and Saturday 25th. July
AV Presentation and Public Stargazing at Rock point Provincial Park.
Saturday 25th. July
Public Stargazing at Long Beach Conservation Camp Grounds
Saturday 8th August
Public Stargazing at CCCA Campgrounds. : Open to the public, every one welcomed. Free Admission
Thursday 17th. to Sunday 20th. September
Second Annual Niagara Centre StarParty and Camp out.
International Year of Astronomy
The Niagara Center of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, would like you to join us in celebrating International Year of Astronomy in 2009 (IYA2009).
The United Nations (UN) 62nd General Assembly proclaimed 2009 the “International Year of Astronomy”. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is an initiative by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo.
The aim of IYA2009 is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science. IYA2009 events and activities will take place at the global, regional, and local levels, to promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.
The UN has designated UNESCO as the lead agency for the IYA2009, while the IAU will function as the implementing body. The full text of the UN resolution is available on the IYA Canadian website at: www.astronomy2009.ca
In Canada, IYA2009 plans are already underway. A collaboration of amateur and professional astronomers has formed a national Coordinating Committee and is organizing a year-long slate of programs to bring astronomy to Canadians.
The IYA2009 is a global collaboration for a peaceful purpose – the search for our cosmic origin, a common heritage that connects every citizen of planet Earth. The science of astronomy represents millennia of collaborations across all boundaries: geographic, gender, age, culture and race, providing a full consistency to the UN Charter principles.
In that sense, astronomy is a classic example of how science can contribute towards a deepening international cooperation and collaboration.
The IYA2009 is, first and foremost, an activity for the citizens of planet Earth. It aims to convey the excitement of personal discovery, the pleasure of sharing fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in it, and the merits of the scientific method. The inspirational aspects of astronomy represent an invaluable resource for humankind and for all nations. So far an impressive 135 nations and 31 organisations have signed up to participate in the IYA2009 – an unprecedented network of engaged astronomy communicators and educators.
Galileo Moment
The Niagara Centre would like your help to promote and organize IYA2009 ‘Galileo Moment’ opportunities that will allow more than 1 million Canadians to experience with their own eyes some of the marvelous objects in the heavens that are invisible without a telescope or binoculars.
Viewing can be done day (Sun) or night (Moon etc) throughout the entire year and will encourage naked eye enjoyment of the heavens, too. Such gatherings may include:
·astronomy at the Mall events,
·sidewalk astronomy events
·star parties in local settings, provincial & national parks; etc.
·astronomy in the Vineyards events
·open-house events at universities, schools, clubs with observatories
·as well as complementing the public lectures,
Primary audience:
All residents and visitors to the Niagara Region, Students in all grades, especially grades 6 - 9
Objectives:
Primary: To enable youngsters to observe astronomical phenomena with their own instruments, and to record their observations for submission to a national website.
To learn to identify objects like the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn in the night sky.
Secondary: To improve astronomy education in Canada at the grade school level.
Reach of program: Schools across Canada. Possibly also at star parties. organized by the Niagara Centre
Potential partners in the implementation of this activity:, School Boards and Departments of Education across Canada, Libraries, Museums, YMCA’s, Department Stores, Malls, and Cities and Towns of the Niagara Region.
The Niagara Centre is the local chapter of the RASC.
We are amateur astronomers and observers whose objective is “ to stimulate interest and to promote and increase knowledge in astronomy and related sciences”
We at the Niagara Centre would like you will join us in this year long celebration.
For more information on IYA 2009 in Canada visit: www.astronomy2009.ca
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