TELUS World of Science - Calgary
TELUS World of Science - Calgary has a strong history as a leader in astronomy-based education. After opening in 1967 as the Calgary Centennial Planetarium, the organization has gone through many changes leading to what it is today: Calgary's leading source of informal science education. TELUS World of Science offers astronomy courses for schools, families and adults, in addition astronomy-focused films, outreach programs and Free Friday Night Stargazing. Our outdoor observation deck is a hit with curious star-gazers and serious astronomers alike. Our in-house Astronomer Alan Dyer is one of Calgary - and Alberta's - best known astronomers and is often called upon to provide expert analysis to the media.
701 - 11 St SW, Calgary, AB
Ph. (403) 268-8300
www.calgaryscience.ca
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Astronomy Expert - Alan Dyer
TELUS World of Science, Producer and Astronomer, Astronomy author Alan Dyer has been with TELUS World of Science - Calgary since 1993 and has written and produced dozens of planetarium and multimedia shows for the Discovery Dome Theatre, including the Galileo LIVE! show being staged for the International Year of Astronomy. Alan is responsible for much of the astronomy programming at TELUS World of Science and conducts media interviews on all things astronomical. He is author of several kids books for young astronomers and the popular book The Backyard Astronomer's Guide for amateur stargazers. His stargazing blog is at http://blogs.discovery.com/whats_up_astronomy/ Asteroid #78434 is named for him.
The University of Calgary's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Opened in 1972, the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory serves as one of the principal research facilities within the University of Calgary's Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Observatory houses a 1.8-metre telescope, as large as any in Canada, as well as a telescope used to search for "killer asteroids." As one of Canada's best-equipped astronomical teaching facilities, the RAO provides university students with the opportunity to use research-grade telescopes. The Observatory and its new Visitor Centre serve as an astronomy resource for school children, teachers and community groups. The Observatory also provides the public a chance to connect with the universe through special events and Open Houses. In October 2008, the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Foundation recognized the RAO with its ASTech Award for Science and Technology Public Awareness.
www.ucalgary.ca/rao
Highway 22, 2 km south of intersection of Hwy 22 and 22X, southwest of Calgary.
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Astronomy Expert - Dr. Phil Langill
International Year of Astronomy, National Advisory Board Member & Chair of the Educational Astronomy Kit Subcommittee
Dr. Langill has been involved in astronomy education at all levels (K-12, University undergraduate and graduate) for more than 15 years. He became the Director of the University's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) in 2006 when its Educational Public Outreach programs were initiated. The RAO was recognized in October 2008 by the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Foundation with its ASTech Award for Science and Technology Public Awareness.
He is a frequent guest on local TV talking about astronomy discoveries, and has been increasingly sought for interviews by other media sources (radio and print) over the past few years. Through the U. of C. and the RAO he has been advising the MD of Foothills in the creation of their "Dark Sky Initiative." As a result, the MD is now drafting a Light Pollution Bylaw.
The Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
The Calgary Centre of the RASC is a club with over 300 amateur astronomers, with membership open to anyone with an interest in astronomy and stargazing. Their monthly meetings are open to the public and are held at the TELUS World of Science. The Calgary RASC was founded in 1958 and was instrumental in lobbying for the construction of the Calgary Centennial Planetarium (now TELUS World of Science) in 1967. The Centre operates an observatory south of Calgary for member use, presents public stargazing events around the city, stages the annual "dark-sky" Alberta Star Party, and organizes trips to solar eclipses (including one to China for the July 22, 2009 total eclipse. If you look through a telescope around Calgary during 2009 chances are it will be operated by a volunteer from the Calgary RASC.
Astronomy Expert - Larry McNish
Past President and webmaster of the Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Larry McNish is an Electrical Engineer and Computer Consultant who has been an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer for the past 25 years. Larry joined the Calgary Centre of the RASC in 2003, volunteered to be the webmaster of its extensive astronomy web site (calgary.rasc.ca) in 2004, and served as its president from 2006-2008. Larry also served on the Organizing Committee for "Astronomy Roundup 2007" which saw over 300 members of the RASC and two American astronomy organizations hold their annual meetings at a joint astronomy conference at the University of Calgary in July 2007. Larry can usually be found at any public "star night" with his computer-guided telescope showing members of the public the stars, planets and deep-sky objects.
