Category: Meetings

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/

Date:  Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: The Science of the Aurora (and how YOU can help)!

Speaker: Vincent “The Aurora Guy” Ledvina

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: Vincent Ledvina is a Space Physics Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, but you may also know him as “The Aurora Guy.” Aside from researching what causes elusive “auroral beads,” Vincent is passionate about sharing his love for the northern lights with others. Part of this work involves leveraging citizen science data from aurora chasers who can provide valuable insights into how particularly rare auroras are created. Vincent also runs aurora photography workshops in Fairbanks and is a professional photographer. Outside of Alaska, Vincent is spending his second year with the Aerospace Corporation’s Space Sciences Applications Lab in El Segundo, CA as an intern. At Aerospace, Vincent is focusing on his Thesis work as well as investigating the effects of aurora on the electronics of low-flying spacecraft.

Abstract: Solar maximum and aurora season are here! This year, we will be experiencing the most active Sun in twenty years which means more chances of seeing gorgeous auroral displays. Recent severe space weather has driven views of the aurora to low latitudes, and more intense activity may be right around the corner. In this presentation, you will learn everything you need to become an aurora chaser, the exciting frontier of northern lights science, and how YOU can help.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/303983034/

Date:  Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: The Enchantment of Evening Twilight

Speaker: Vicky Derksen

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: Vicky Derksen fell in love with the night sky while teaching naked-eye astronomy to students in Fountain Hills, Arizona. In 2019, she launched Night Sky Tourist. She hosts a podcast with topics about night sky destinations, stargazing experiences, cultural astronomy, and dark sky preservation, and owns a local stargazing company. She’s also writing a book about night sky experiences on Highway 89 from Mexico to Canada. Vicky is the Past-President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, helping her community gain certification as an International Dark Sky Community and hosting an annual Dark Sky Festival. She serves on the board for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, a 23,000-square-foot facility in Fountain Hills that broke ground in April 2024. She’s also an Advocate with DarkSky International. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com.

Abstract: As the sun sets each day, an incredible transition unfolds in nature. The plants, animals, and sky bid farewell to the day shift and welcome the night shift. Sometimes, we live such busy lives that we tend to ignore this magical time of evening by staying indoors. However, experiencing all three stages of twilight can be a powerful way to unwind and connect with nature in a way that’s unique to that small window in the evening. Join me in this presentation to discover the potential for a truly memorable twilight experience that you’ll want to relive again and again.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/302091664/

Date:  Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: New insights into Novae

Speaker: Elias Aydi, PhD; NASA Hubble Fellow

Location: AQ3159 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=AQ3159

Bio: Elias Aydi is an Assistant Professor at the Physics and Astronomy department at Texas Tech University. He got his PhD from the University of Cape Town and the South African Astronomical Observatory in 2018. Elias’s main research interest involves multiwavelength and time-domain astronomy, focusing on transient phenomena, particularly nova eruptions and he was awarded the prestigious NASA Hubble Fellowship in 2022 to explore novae and decipher their emission processes. He is also very interested in public engagement and promoting astronomy to the public.

Abstract: With NASA’s Fermi gamma-ray telescope establishing novae as a new class of gamma-ray sources in our Galaxy, we are harnessing multiwavelength observations from a multitude of facilities to rewrite the textbooks and re-evaluate our understanding of how novae work. These multiwavelength observational efforts will culminate with the awaited upcoming eruption of the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis (T CrB). Lying at a distance of only 2900 light year away, the eruption of T CrB will reach naked eye brightness, providing astronomers and citizen scientists with a chance to study novae with unprecedented details.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/301615397/

Date:  Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: Project SOS (Starhopping on Steroids). Join our President as he reveals a project that he has been working on for years over thousands of hours.

Speaker: Robert Conrad (President RASC Vancouver)

Location: AQ3159 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=AQ3159

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: During this presentation Robert will walk through the resources that are the result of this project (all guides will be available to all attendees via a link). He will also talk about the types of objects that an observer can view. In addition, he will describe how to use the resources and provide tips and tricks that will greatly enhance your observing or imaging experience.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/301615374/

Date:  Thursday, June 13th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft: Unravelling planet-formation and searching for a second Kuiper Belt.

Speaker: Dr. JJ Kavelaars

Location: AQ3159 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=AQ3159

Bio: Dr. JJ Kavelaars is a Principle Research Officer at the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, and the Head of the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre. Dr. Kavelaars searches the sky for outer solar system objects and has discovered dozens of satellites of the giant planets and over 1000 minor planets in the distant solar system. He is a co-lead of the Canada-France Ecliptic Plan Survey and the Outer Solar System Origin Survey and co-investigator on NASA’s New Horizons Kuiper Extended Mission. In 2022 Dr. Kavelaars won the Canadian Astronomical Society’s Dunlap Award for Innovation in Astronomical Instrumentation and Software in recognition of his contributions to the development of digital research infrastructure in astronomy, and the NRC Dan Wayner Award for outstanding achievement in Science and Technology in recognition of his contributions to the understanding our outer solar system.

Abstract: The New Horizons spacecraft flew past Pluto and the small Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth. The spacecraft is now nearly 60 astronomical units from the Sun and continuing to explore the outer solar system. Dr. Kavelaars will highlight what we think we have learned about planet formation from this mission, and what we still hope to discover about the very distant solar system.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/299223013/