What's On
Come inside and enjoy a live planetarium show and check out the real sky outdoors! Tonight’s Astronomy Night focuses on the legendary fall constellations. We will also present a special Science Café-style space debate featuring: Alien Life – Rare or Everywhere?
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Events and Activities
6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Dome Show — Wildest Weather in the Solar System
Where: HD Digital Dome
Watch our current feature show and live planetarium show (45 minutes, purchase HD Digital Dome Theatre Tickets at Admission Desk).
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Telescope Viewing — See the Stars up Close
Where: Outdoor Plaza
See the autumn stars, the planet Neptune, and the Andromeda Galaxy through our powerful telescopes (weather permitting).
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Great Space Debate: Alien Life — Rare or Everywhere?
Where: Feature Gallery North
Some of Calgary’s top astronomers debate the question of life on other planets: Is it common or is Earth unique? A free-wheeling Q&A session gives you a chance to ask the experts about alien life. Styled after our popular Science Cafés, this informal discussion is suitable for all ages. Bring your questions andcuriosity about life on other worlds.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Telescope Clinic and Astronomy Info Table
Where: Atrium
Experts from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada help you tune up your telescope for stargazing. Bring down your telescope for expert advice
8:00 p.m. Special Dome Show — Legends of the Fall
Where: HD Digital Dome Theatre
Join us for a special 45-minute live night sky show using the Digistar planetarium system. Our TELUS Spark presenter relates the legends of the autumn constellations – Perseus, Pegasus and Andromeda – then takes you on a flight out to the Andromeda Galaxy – and beyond! Included with admission.
The Great Space Debate: Alien Life - Rare or Everywhere?
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Feature Gallery North
Dr. Phil Langill argues that advanced civilizations have yet to overcome the challenges of interstellar space travel. And, perhaps, such civilizations don’t exist.
Prof. Rene Plume will champion aliens, arguing that all we’ve learned of late tells us planets and life are everywhere in space.
Radio astronomer Dr. Jo-Anne Brown tackles the questions of whether we might tune into signals from alien civilizations and what we would do if we heard from them.
What do you think? After the speakers have their say, a free-wheeling Q&A session will give you a chance to cross-examine the experts. Styled after our successful Science Cafés, this informal and fun discussion is suitable for all ages. Bring your questions and curiosity about life on other worlds.
The Presenters:
Dr. Phil Langill, Director, Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, Instructor of Physics and Astrophysics
Prof. Rene Plume, Ph.D., Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Jo-Anne Brown, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Moderator:
Alan Dyer, Producer/Astronomer, TELUS Spark
Follow us on Facebook to stay informed of all our upcoming Astronomy Nights and share the event with your friends! Astronomy Nights are suitable for the whole family and all ages. Our indoor programs go ahead even if skies are cloudy.
* NOTE: Stargazing and telescope viewing outside is weather permitting (clear skies!). Telescopes staffed by volunteers from the Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Regular admission prices to TELUS Spark apply.