Rocks on Earth and in Space
2022-10-01 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto)
“Rocks on Earth and in Space”
This Saturday join us for a joint public event – a collaboration between the Richard W. Hutchinson Geoscience Collaborative Suite (1 – 5 pm) and the Cronyn Observatory (5 – 10 pm). Start your afternoon by checking out beautiful exhibitions of rocks, minerals and meteorites and you can head over to Cronyn Observatory at 5 pm to join us for International Observe the Moon night for a night filled with Moon and Star gazing and space-themed activities for kids.
This public afternoon at the Richard W. Hutchinson Geoscience Collaborative Suite will include geoscience activities for children recommended ages 6 and up, and a microscopy demonstration: see what different rocks, minerals, fossils and meteorites look like when viewed through a microscope. We will do solar observing right next to the Suite (weather permitting) and display our beautiful exhibitions of rocks, minerals, fossils and meteorites from around the world. For more info, please visit: https://uwo.ca/earth/geocollections/events/public.html
At 5:00 pm, you can head over to Cronyn Observatory which is just a 10 minute walk from the Hutchinson Suite. We have some fun space-themed activities planned for kids in the first half of the evening. Starting at around 8:00 pm, you will have your chance to look through our large 10 inch refracting telescope in the dome and other amateur telescopes as well (weather permitting).
Please Note: You will be required to show proof of vaccination to attend the event.

Maps & Directions:
The Cronyn Observatory is located on Western’s campus, right next to Alumni Hall. You can find it most easily by clicking on Google Maps (or searching for “Cronyn Observatory”).
Parking:
If you visit the Observatory on the weekend, you can use the Alumni-Thompson parking lot right next to the Observatory. It is free on weekends.

SNAC Public Night
2022-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
On November 1st, we will open up the Cronyn Observatory for the public to enjoy short talks by professional astronomers, look at celestial objects through our telescopes (weather permitting), participate in cool astronomy demos and step back into the rich history of the Cronyn Observatory.
For this Public Night, we are joining forces with the “Space as a National Asset for Canada” (SNAC) conference (https://snac.uwo.ca/), happening in London from Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2022. SNAC conference attendees are also invited to this fun evening at Cronyn!
More about SNAC:
Western Space will be hosting SNAC 2022 to bring together the space community in universities, industry, and government, explore the current and future value of space technologies for Earth applications and discuss Canadian ambitions for space. Topics will include exploration science and technologies, Earth observations for climate change and food security, policy and law, space resources, space debris, and more.
We are excited to welcome you to this Public Night!
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:

Directions, Maps and Parking

Hope to see you all there!

Public Night
2022-12-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Have your chance to tour the observatory and look at celestial objects through telescopes (weather permitting). You can participate in Astronomy demos, and step back into the rich history of our unique facility. You’re invited to this Public Night!

First public night of 2023!
2023-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Welcome to our first Public Night of 2023, where we will focus on the “Green Comet”.
Join us on Saturday January 28th, 2023, Saturday, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. One of our expert astronomers will share their knowledge on comets and other solar system bodies. If the weather cooperates, we will set up telescopes and look at comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), also called the green comet in the media.
As always, you will have your chance to ask questions, participate in Astronomy demonstrations and learn about the history of the Observatory.
We are excited to welcome you to this Public Night!
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University (in-person event)
Date: January 28th, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
No registration is required!
You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:

Directions, Maps and Parking

Hope to see you all there!

Girls and Women in Astronomy
2023-02-11 18:00 - 21:00 UTC
Join us on February 11th, 2023, at Cronyn Observatory to celebrate Girls and Women in Astronomy. (+ Costume Contest alert!)
This is an all-genders welcome public event on the occasion of International Day for women and girls in Science. Get a chance to hear from an expert panel about women in science, their journey and challenges, and everything related. It will be a fun-packed evening with Games, Trivia, and Stargazing (weather permitting).
Win prizes with Costume Contest – Dress up as your favourite female scientist (Hint: grab a lab coat)!! Show your creativity and get a chance to win prizes.

Maps & Directions:
The Cronyn Observatory is located on Western’s campus, right next to Alumni Hall. You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:

Directions, Maps and Parking

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: February 11th, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Hope to see you all there!

Black Astronomy
2023-02-25 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
We would like to invite everyone to the Observatory’s first public night in honour of Black History Month! The event will focus on the history, present, and future of the Black community’s contributions to Astronomy.
Join us on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. We will have two amazing speakers who will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
If the weather cooperates, we will set up telescopes and stargaze! As always, you will have a chance to ask questions, participate in the amazing demonstrations, and learn about the rich history of the Observatory including the history of the African Canadian Solomon Family who discovered the Dresden Meteorite in 1939.
This event is open to everyone and is free of cost. No registration is required. You are free to come and go as you wish.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: February 25th, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST
You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:

Directions, Maps and Parking

Hope to see you all there!

Launching Western into Space
2023-03-18 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto)
You are cordially invited to our next public night!
Join us on March 18th, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, to meet a team of brilliant students at Western University! Hear how they designed and built their own miniature satellite (called Ukpik-1), that they will launch into space very soon. This is your opportunity to hear about their experience building it, and about what their satellite will be measuring once in orbit.
As always, you will have your chance to ask questions, participate in Astronomy demonstrations and learn about the history of the Observatory. If weather permits, we will set up telescopes.

No registration is required, you can come and go as you please.

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: March 18th, 2023
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 pm

You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!

Public Night
2023-04-22 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Join us on the occasion of Earth Day at Cronyn Observatory on April 22nd, 8:00 to 10:00pm! This event is open to the public and you’ll have the opportunity to hear from an astronomer who will share fascinating insights about saving the Earth from asteroid Impacts.

In addition to the astronomy talk, you will also have the opportunity to participate in some interesting demonstrations and activities, learn about the history of the observatory, and have any space-related questions you may have answered. And weather permitting, we will set up telescopes for night sky observing.

No registration is required, you can come and go as you please.

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: April 22nd, 2023
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 pm

You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!

Summer Public Night
2023-05-06 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

The Artemis II Mission: the First Canadian to Head to the Moon!
2023-05-13 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us for a fun public night where you will get to learn about first Canadian astronaut who will be heading to Moon next year! And as always, we will keep telescopes for night sky observing ready for you!

Exoplanet science from the first year of the James Webb Space Telescope
2023-05-20 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Join us between 8:30 to 11:00pm and have your chance to look through telescopes, talk to astronomers and ask them questions.
No registration is required, you can come and go as you please, making it the perfect activity for a spontaneous night out or a fun date with friends or family.

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Time: 8:30 to 11:00 pm

You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!

Future Telscopes
2023-05-27 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Summer Public Night
2023-06-03 20:30 - 23:00, 2023-06-10 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Submillimeter Astronomy
2023-06-17 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Astronomy + Art Exhibition
2023-06-24 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Asteroid showcase
2023-07-01 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us between 8:30 to 11:00 pm and have your chance to look through telescopes, talk to astronomers and ask them questions.
No registration is required, you can come and go as you please, making it the perfect activity for a spontaneous night out or a fun date with friends or family.

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Time: 8:30 to 11:00 pm

You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!

Are we alone?
2023-07-08 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

The Search for Life around Ultracool Stars
2023-07-15 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Dragonfly: A Rotorcraft Lander at Titan
2023-07-22 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Interstellar Medium
2023-07-29 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

JWST's view of the Orion Nebula
2023-08-05 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Those Glorious Globular Clusters
2023-08-12 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Space Medicine
2023-08-19 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

CubeSat - A satellite made by Western university students
2023-08-26 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Robots on Mars! The History and Science of NASA's Mars Rovers
2023-09-02 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)

Doors Open London
2023-09-16 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. as part of Doors Open London. Explore the observatory through immersive tours, live science demonstrations, astronomical viewings through the telescopes, and programming on food and space. Join us for an engaging talk by our Observatory Curator, Professor Mark Tovey, called “From Freeze-Dried Ice Cream to Potatoes on Mars: Making Sure Astronauts Don’t Go Hungry.”

No registration is required for this free event, you can come and go as you please, making it the perfect activity for a spontaneous night out or a fun date with friends or family.

Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Sept 16, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm EDT

You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:

https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit…/directions-maps-and-parking/

Hope to see you all there!

Nicolaus Copernicus 550th Birthday Celebration
2023-09-30 19:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us between 7:30 to 11:00pm for a special event celebrating the 550th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth. The event will feature guest speakers Professor Pauline Barmby and Professor Gordon ‘Oz’ Osinski discussing Copernicus’ life and work. There will also be a special Copernicus exhibition, and stargazing with the observatory telescope.
No registration required, you can come and go as you please, making it the perfect activity for a spontaneous night out or a fun date with friends or family.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Time: 7:30 to 11:00 pm
You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!
DETAILS
Date: September 30
Time: 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm EDT

Cost: Free

Partial Solar Eclipse
2023-10-14 11:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Update: Unfortunately, the weather forecast for this Saturday, Oct 14 2023, is not looking favorable to observe this solar eclipse from London, with predictions of 0 hours of sunshine, and lots of rain. Clearly, in such weather we will sadly not be able to show you the Sun through our telescopes or eclipse glasses. However, we will open up the Observatory at 11:30am, and show a live stream from other sites in our main classroom. There will be astronomers on site to provide you with commentary and background information, and to answer all your questions. Depending on interest, we may also offer tours of the Observatory. We expect to close the Observatory again shortly after the eclipse is over, around 2:30pm.
On Sat Oct 14, 2023, London will experience a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will start at 11:51am and reach a maximum at 1:07pm. At that time, almost 43% of the Sun’s diameter will be covered by the Moon. The eclipse will end at 2:25pm. This will be an annular eclipse across a narrow track over the USA; here in London, it will only be a partial eclipse.You can find out more about this specific eclipse here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/canada/london?iso=20231014.

International Observe the Moon Night
2023-10-21 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us for a celestial evening at the Cronyn Observatory on Oct 21st to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night! 🌔✨
🚀 Event Breakdown:

2:00 – 4:30 pm: (Re)naming the Moon – A moon crater drawing workshop
🎨 in collaboration with McIntosh Gallery (Registration required: http://www.events.westernu.ca/events/mcintosh-gallery/2023-10/renaming-the-moon-a-moon.html)
5:00 – 7:00 pm: Moon-themed activities for kids.
7:00 – 10:00 pm: Moon-themed public night. You’ll have a chance to look through our big telescope and observe the Moon and planets (if the weather cooperates). You’re also invited to have a tour of the observatory.

It’s a FREE event. You can come and go as you please; no registration is required — except for the Moon Crater Drawing Workshop as noted above. This event is the perfect activity for a spontaneous night out or a fun date with friends or family.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Oct 21, 2023
Time: 2:00 to 4:30 pm (Workshop) and 5:00 to 10:00 pm (Public event)
Here’s our schedule for upcoming events: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
You can find directions to the Observatory and Parking information here:
https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit…/directions-maps-and-parking/
Hope to see you all there!
