About

The RASC Vancouver Centre has about 300 members, made up of both amateur and professional astronomers. Our mandate:

Advancement of Astronomy.

This includes:
  • Public education through presentations and “star parties”, etc.
  • Discussion of astronomical subjects
  • Helping each other with techniques.
  • Introducing newcomers to the hobby
Centre Library

  • The Vancouver Centre maintains a sizable library of over 500 astronomical books.
  • The books can be signed out from the club room in the Gordon Southam Observatory, following a regular meeting.
  • The National Library of the R.A.S.C. in Toronto has a much larger collection and loans can be arranged through the Vancouver Centre Library.

Telescope Loaner Program

  • The Vancouver Centre of the R.A.S.C. has an extensive collection of telescopes for loan to members of the Centre. They range in size from a 2″ refractor to a 14″ newtonian.
  • The telescopes are signed out from and returned to the club room in the Gordon Southam Observatory, following a regular meeting.
  • Loans are usually one month in duration.
  • Telescopes are on loan to only one member at a time and may not be circulated other than at the meeting.
  • This is an excellent way for the “new to astronomy types” who want to purchase a telescope but don’t know which type or brand to choose.
Centre Newsletter
  • NOVA, the Vancouver Centre’s newsletter, is published six times a year (on the odd months – electronically distributed.)
  • It contains all announcements regarding upcoming meetings and other special events.
  • There are usually news items on general astronomy as well as articles by members on a variety of astronomical topics. For example, their latest observations, useful observing techniques, and equipment that they have built.
  • There is also a For Sale / Want-ad section for telescopes and related equipment.
More about the RASC:
  • The R.A.S.C. has a long history going back to the founding of the Toronto Astronomical Club by Andrew Elvins in 1868. The R.A.S.C. itself was established in 1903 in Toronto. Soon after that, the Society began expanding with the creation of new Centres in other cities.
  • Today the R.A.S.C. has 25 Centres across Canada and has about 4500 members world wide.
  • Since it was founded, the R.A.S.C. has filled a special role in astronomy. Its amateur and professional astronomers have made significant observational contributions to astronomical research.
  • R.A.S.C. publications such as the R.A.S.C. Observer’s Handbook are recognized as world-class publications.
  • The R.A.S.C. also takes pride in the role it plays in educating the general public about astronomy. Programs that the Society sponsors include public lectures, public ’star nights’, instructrional programs for groups such as Scouts, Guides and Astronomy Day activities.