Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/311190647/

Date:  Thursday, October 9 2025 at 7:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149

Topic:  Cosmic Rewind: Celebrating the Last Five Years

Speaker: Jennie “Starstuff” King

Bio: Jennie “Starstuff” King is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s astronomy program. While studying astronomy and physics, she discovered her deep love of science education through work with elementary school students. As a high school AP Physics and Engineering teacher in Colorado, she brought her love of space exploration to the classroom. Jennie became a NASA Solar System Ambassador in order to encourage others to explore the wonders of the cosmos with their hearts, minds, and (especially!) imaginations. In addition to volunteering with NASA, Jennie now works as the Manager of Educator Programs at Science World in Vancouver. She also has a feline co-pilot named Kepler.

Abstract: A great deal of public discussion around space exploration centres on what the future may hold. However, by constantly speculating about what comes next, we may miss opportunities to celebrate the plethora of recent achievements and discoveries in space science. Let’s spend some time reflecting on the amazing accomplishments in space exploration over the past five years, including popular hits as well as some less heard cosmic deep cuts. These past five orbits around the sun have taught us so much about the universe and about what we as humans can achieve when we work together, even during uncertain times. We’ll wrap up by exploring the very near past, as Jennie shares some photos and learnings from her recent trip to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Mount Wilson Observatory.

The next monthly meeting will be on September 19, 2025

Please RSVP here to ensure a seat:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rasc-vancouver-monthly-meeting-at-hr-macmillan-space-centre-tickets-1677106062379

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/310942251/

Date:  Friday, September 19th at 7:30 PM

Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Auditorium (Basement Level)
**Please be aware the monthly meeting this month will not be at SFU**

Topic:  Bringing the Night Sky to Life: The Vera Rubin Observatory

Speaker: Brett Gladman (in-person)

Bio: Professor Brett Gladman’s astronomical career has been heavily involved with studying moving objects in the Solar System. Having
worked in the United States, France, and Canada, he has used many
of the world’s best telescopes. He is currently a professor of
astronomy at the University of British Columbia.

Abstract: Historically, astronomers have explored to Solar System and more distant universe in two ways. The first is to peer at a tiny
fraction of the night sky where some object of interest is, but
then what is happening elsewhere remains undetected. Alternately,
a very large fraction (or all) of the night sky is ‘surveyed’, but
due to the vast area of the sky, there are only a few different times
a given location is observed; this results in an inability to see
how things might be changing in time. A major leap forward is about
to occur in astronomy with the start of the ‘Legacy Survey of Space
and Time’ (LSST) that is about to begin using the newly constructed
Vera Rubin telescope in Chile. This large (8-meter class) telescope
has the goal of imaging the ENTIRE visible night sky (from Chile)
during a 3-day interval and then repeating over and over again.This
will essentially generate a ‘movie in time’ of the night sky with a
3-day cadence to much fainter depths than have been ever been
possible. I will discuss some of the scientific goals that will
be made possible by this unique facility.

The July monthly meeting has been postponed until further notice.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/308846008/

Date:  Postponed until further notice.

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3159

Topic:  Cosmic Rewind: Celebrating the Last Five Years

Speaker: Jennie King

Bio: Jennie “Starstuff” King is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s astronomy program. While studying astronomy and physics, she discovered her deep love of science education through work with elementary school students. As a high school AP Physics and Engineering teacher in Colorado, she brought her love of space exploration to the classroom. Jennie became a NASA-JPL Solar System Ambassador in order to encourage others to explore the wonders of the cosmos with their hearts, minds and imaginations. In addition to volunteering with NASA, Jennie now works as the Manager of Educator Programs at Science World in Vancouver, a role which allows her to continue sparking scientific curiosity and a love of STEAM learning.

Abstract: A great deal of public discussion around space exploration centers on what the future may hold. However, by constantly speculating about what comes next, we may miss opportunities to celebrate the plethora of recent achievements and discoveries in space science. Let’s spend some time reflecting on the amazing accomplishments in space exploration over the past five years, including popular hits as well as some less heard cosmic deep cuts. These past five orbits around the sun have taught us so much about the universe and about what we as humans can achieve when we work together, even during uncertain times.

The next monthly meeting will be on May 8th at 7:30pm.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/306831460/

Date:  Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149

Topic:  Forecasting Exoplanet Weather with the James Webb Space Telescope

Speaker: Louis-Philippe Coulombe

Bio: Louis-Philippe is a PhD candidate at the Université de Montréal and a member of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets. His research uses JWST observations to study the composition and dynamics of exoplanet atmospheres.

Abstract: Some exoplanets orbit so close to their host stars that they are scorched by intense heat, leading to extreme weather patterns unlike anything seen in our Solar System. One such planet is LTT 9779 b, an “ultrahot Neptune” that reflects an unusually large amount of starlight, making it one of the most reflective planets ever found around another star. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, we observed the planet throughout its entire orbit, which lasts only 19 hours. Our observations reveal that the planet’s dayside is split into two distinct regions: the western side is covered in bright, reflective clouds, while the eastern side is much darker. This suggests that powerful winds push heat from the dayside towards the cooler nightside, allowing clouds made of minerals to form on one side while the other remains too hot for them to exist. These findings provide a rare glimpse into the exotic weather of distant worlds and help us understand how planetary atmospheres behave under extreme conditions.

Show and Tell-escope & Beginner’s Guide to Starhopping

This next monthly meeting will be on April 11th, at 6:30pm.

Please note that the lecture portion of this event has a seating capacity limit. For a free ticket, please go to our Eventbrite page here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rasc-vancouvers-show-and-tell-escope-beginners-guide-to-starhopping-tickets-1302191492809

Date:  Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/306934669/

Topic: RASC Vancouver’s Show and Tell-escope & Beginner’s Guide to Starhopping

Speaker: Robert Conrad (President RASC Vancouver)

Bio: Robert Conrad is currently the President, Observing Director and Education Co-director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (@ Vancouver). He has taught two courses at SFU through their continuing education program and offers frequent online courses and workshops on Observational Astronomy. His area of focus is teaching the art and science behind starhopping, a method used to locate celestial objects and how to locate comets and asteroids. Outside of astronomy he is an avid wildlife and mountain photographer as well as a learning and development and educational consultant.

Abstract:  It’s a great privilege to be working with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre after a number of years away, and what better way to kick things off than with our Show and Tell-escope! Come and learn all about telescopes; the main ones you might have heard of, some you may not have, how they work, and how to take care of them. A number of our volunteers and council members will be on-site in the lobby of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre throughout the evening, standing at the ready beside their telescopes, ready to answer your questions and chat about the stars. Having a telescope is one thing, but knowing how to use it and your own biological set of peepers in conjunction to view the night sky is another. Prior to the Show and Tell-escope, please join us at 7:00pm in the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Auditorium on the Lower Level for an approximately 60 minute lecture on how to navigate the night sky by eye, a process some call starhopping. At the end of the evening, you should have a basic idea of how to locate and navigate yourself amongst some of the stars, as well as know enough to begin thinking about using, renting, or purchasing your own telescope.

If you so choose, you can also purchase a ticket to the 8:30pm Planetarium Show “The Universe”. The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre has graciously offered a 20% discount on admission to folks who come out! Use code RASCMEM online or at the front-desk to receive your discount.

The next monthly meeting will be on March 13th at 7:30pm.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/306619827/

Date:  Thursday, March 13th, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149

Topic: Observational Basics Masterclass

Speaker: Robert Conrad (President RASC Vancouver)

Bio: Robert Conrad is currently the President, Observing Director and Education Co-director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (@ Vancouver). He has taught two courses at SFU through their continuing education program and offers frequent online courses and workshops on Observational Astronomy. His area of focus is teaching the art and science behind starhopping, a method used to locate celestial objects and how to locate comets and asteroids. Outside of astronomy he is an avid wildlife and mountain photographer as well as a learning and development and educational consultant.

Abstract:  In this interactive session (using a Socratic method of inquiry), Robert will provide a toolkit of resources that will enhance your observational and astrophotography pursuits if you are experienced and if you’re a beginner it will save you years of trial and error and thrust you at a level beyond most amateur astronomers. Get the most out of this event by attending in person (also since the total lunar eclipse will take place after the meeting if it’s mostly clear). Prepare some questions since this won’t be your typical one-way lecture!

The next monthly meeting will be on February 13th at 7:30pm.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/305712876/

Date:  Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149

Topic: Can Active Galactic Nuclei Be Used as Standard Candles to Measure Cosmology?

Speaker: Alan Chan

Bio: Alan Chan is an astronomer and a Bachelor of Science student in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU), specialising in advanced physics. He works as an Astronomer and Educational Outreach Assistant at the Mount Stromlo Observatory and serves as the President of the ANU Astronomy Society. Alan is also a student of experimental physics at the ANU Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics, where his research focuses on precision measurement techniques for gravitational wave astronomy.

Alan’s research interests encompass a broad range of topics in cosmology and astrophysics, including observational cosmology, multi-messenger astronomy, Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), supernovae, black holes, dark energy, galaxy formation, and gravitational wave astronomy. Passionate about science communication, Alan regularly presents at public nights and conferences, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and engaging for all.

Abstract: The quest to understand the universe’s expansion and its underlying mechanisms, such as dark energy, has driven astronomers to seek reliable standard candles for measuring cosmological distances in high-redshift environments. While Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) have traditionally served this purpose, recent research suggests that Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) may also play a crucial role as standard candles. This talk explores the potential of AGNs in cosmological measurements, examining their unique properties, such as luminosity and variability, that could enable precise distance calculations. By investigating AGNs as standard candles, we aim to uncover new pathways in measuring cosmological parameters and refining our cosmic models. Following the five-year report from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Australian Dark Energy Survey(OzDES), we will also discuss why the dark energy equations of state might need some revisions.

The next monthly meeting will be on January 9th at 7:30pm.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/305393033/

Date:  Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149

Topic: The yearly Space wrap-up and preview: 2024 in review, and a preview of 2025

Speaker: Matthew Borghese, NASA Solar System Ambassador

Bio: Matthew Borghese is a communications specialist and former journalist who covered space shuttle launches from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Matthew lives outside of Victoria, British Columbia where he provides STEM outreach and connects students to careers and internships at the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Matthew presents to a variety of audiences from kindergartners to university students on both sides of the border.

Abstract: Join NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Matthew Borghese as we recap space highlights from 2024, and dive into what’s coming up this year. There are new rockets, new missions, and new science being carried out in orbit and at home.

Date:  Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 8:00 PM

Topic: Pitcairn Islands Outreach! “Celestializing” the H.M.S. Bounty Mutineers!

Speaker: Bryon M. “PackPuppy” Elliott

Location: AQ3149 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3149

Bio: Bryon M. Elliott (please call him, “Puppy”) earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude, from the Georgia Institute of Technology in ‘93. However, a percussive, head-on encounter with a garage door in 2015 abruptly ended his software engineering career, thus making room for the other passion of his life: Astronomy!

He is an active member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the UBC Astronomy Club, through which he has met like-minded friends, is learning astronomy-related software, has created a landscape for Stellarium (https://github.com/Stellarium/stellarium-data/releases/download/landscapes/trottier_observatory.zip), and participates in star parties. He also occasionally lectures at RASC chapters and seniors communities relatively near his home in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A self-proclaimed novice skygazer, Puppy prefers naked-eye and binocular sky gazing due to their low luggability factor. He plans on keeping his golden years spicy by sprinkling in familiarization with all manner of astronomical equipment, from sextants and armillary spheres to Dobsonians, GoTo telescopes, PixInsight, and petabyte data analysis from humanity’s fleet of space telescopes.

Abstract: Who knew “Mutiny on the Bounty” was based on a true story?! Please join me as I tell the tale of my unforgettable adventure on Pitcairn Island, the paradisiacal home of the mutineers’ descendants. I’ll touch on their captivating history, and reveal some of the brilliant celestial wonders I shared with them in their pristine night sky.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/304073000/