WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE !
This exciting series includes five illustrated lectures by world-renowned Canadian Astronomer Dr. Ian Shelton and Dr. Tuba Koktay, followed by informal discussions with the lecturers and other group members over light refreshments in a relaxed setting. A basic introduction to Astronomy is provided on the first evening, followed by discussions on a number of topics currently in the news. A large telescope will be provided for viewing celestial objects during the series (weather permitting). This lecture series is a continuation of the well-received “Evenings at the Observatory” lecture series provided by the lecturers while they were working at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) in Richmond Hill, home of the largest optical telescope in Canada.
I. Welcome to the Universe!
Learn about some of the most beautiful and
exciting objects in the nighttime sky, and be shown
how to find these objects for yourself. Nov 23
II. Seeing Further, Fainter.
A look at the tools used by amateur and professional
astronomers, with recommendations for those who
already own or are planning to buy a telescope. Nov 30
III. Exploring the Neighbourhood.
Spectacular recent discoveries and new exploration in
our Solar System. Dec 7
IV. Is there anyone out there?
Both fun and serious looks at whether life exists
elsewhere in the Universe. Dec 14
V. Will the World Really End in 2012???
Our modern understanding about the age of the
Universe and a critical look at the claims that the world
will end in 2012. Dec 21
About the Lecturers
Dr. Shelton has spent 30 years studying variations in the brightness and the spectra of stars to learn about their structure, composition and evolution. Ian is an Adjunct Professor at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick and at Athabasca University in Alberta. He continues to teach Astronomy at the University of Toronto’s downtown campus. Dr. Shelton is an honorary Lifetime Member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in recognition for his discovery of Supernova 1987A, the first supernova visible to the unaided eye since Kepler’s supernova of 1604. He has been a staff member at some of the largest observatories in the world, including the 6.5-metre MMT in Arizona and Japan’s 8.3-metre Subaru Telescope in Hawaii.
Dr. Tuba Koktay is a graduate of the University of Istanbul where she studied the spectroscopic variations of hot, young stars in our Milky Way galaxy. Tuba is continuing her research with University of Toronto Professor R. F. Garrison, one of the world’s foremost experts in the classification of stars. She ran the Outreach programs at the David Dunlap Observatory before its sale by the University of Toronto in 2008.
Location and Registration Information
- The two-hour sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at the main Richmond Hill Public Library beginning at 7:00pm.
- No prior knowledge of astronomy is assumed.
- Maximum Number of places available: 20
- Registration fee: $185 (includes refreshments and a $25 donation to the Richmond Hill Naturalists
If you wish to attend, please send us an e-mail containing all of the information requested below to “astronomy@rhnaturalists.ca”. If you prefer to use the phone, please call us at (905) 762-0072 and leave the requested information. Please talk slowly and clearly!
