Northern Lights
2025-06-07 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about Northern Lights. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Visiting a Black Hole
2025-06-14 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “Visiting a Black Hole”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Exoplanets
2025-06-21 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about Exoplanets. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Telescopes: Eyes of Astronomy
2025-06-28 20:30 - 23:00
Join us at Cronyn Observatory for Public Night on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 8:30 – 11:00 pm!
🔭 Explore our historic dome and take a guided tour of the facility.
🌠 Peer through our telescopes (weather permitting) and discover distant stars, planets, and more.
❓ Bring your questions—our astronomy team will be on hand to share their passion for the cosmos.
You’re invited to grab a seat from 8:30–9:00 pm for a presentation by Hannah Christie, astronomy grad student. She’ll walk you through why we need different telescopes, how they work, and the unique cosmic insights they deliver
Admission is free, and no registration is required. All are welcome!
📍 Directions & parking info: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/
We look forward to seeing you there!

Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Chris Willott (NRC-Canada), Lamiya Mowla (Wellesley College), Kartheik Iyer (Columbia) and NRAO/AUI/NSF

Black Hole Triplets
2025-07-05 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “Black Hole Triplets”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Unconventional Astronomy: Using seismic data to study our universe
2025-07-12 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “Unconventional Astronomy: Using seismic data to study our universe”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Stellar Occultations: Detecting the shadows of dark comets
2025-07-19 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “Stellar Occultations: Detecting the shadows of dark comets”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

How Generosity Created the Universe's Fastest Spinning Star
2025-07-26 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “How Generosity Created the Universe’s Fastest Spinning Star”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Molecules in Space
2025-08-02 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about molecules in space. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Brighter than the Sun: Fireballs in Earth’s Atmosphere
2025-08-09 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear from Ian Chow about “Brighter than the Sun: Fireballs in Earth’s Atmosphere”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

From Dust to Planets: The Birth of Solar Systems
2025-08-16 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “From Dust to Planets: The Birth of Solar Systems”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

The Moon
2025-08-23 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about the Moon. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Gravity is Geometry: Einstein's Theories of Relativity
2025-08-30 20:30 - 23:00
During the public night at Cronyn, you’ll have a chance to hear about “Gravity is Geometry: Einstein’s Theories of Relativity”. You can participate in astronomy demos and tour the observatory. If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration is required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Public Night: Saturn
2025-09-20 20:00 - 22:00
You’re invited to the next public night at Cronyn Observatory!
Saturn reaches opposition this weekend (Sep 20-21) – the time when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Saturn, bringing this ringed giant closer to us and making it appear at its brightest. Join us on Sep 20, 8:00 to 10:00 pm as Samantha Lambier explores Saturn and its fascinating moons, explaining what opposition means for stargazers and sharing discoveries about this iconic planet and its satellites like Titan and Enceladus. 🪐
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Sep 20
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 pm
Check out our schedule for more upcoming events at: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/ For directions and parking information, visit: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
We hope to see you there for an unforgettable night under the stars!

International Observe The Moon Night
2025-10-04 14:00 - 22:00
On October 4th, the Cronyn Observatory is organizing the International Observe The Moon Night (https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/), a worldwide astronomy event focused on the Moon! We will have an afternoon event from 2:00 to 5:00pm, aimed at kids and families, and a regular public night from 7:00 to 10:00pm, with two talks on the Moon by Peter Jedicke and Jack Lopes.

In the afternoon (2:00 to 5:00pm), we will have three activities:

Moon Mythbusters: Kids have to put their detective hats on and solve puzzles to figure out which Moon facts are true and which are myths.

Crater Making Activity: Kids create their own moon craters using flour and chocolate powder. Watch as rocks simulate the impact and formation of craters!

Moon Meteorites: Kids get up close and personal with real Moon rocks and learn about their origins.

In addition, we will have solar observing on the deck (weather permitting), a demo about the relative size and scale of the Moon in the Black Room, and the Period Rooms and the dome will be open.

For the evening part, the organization will be the same as a regular public night.

85th Anniversary of the Cronyn Observatory
2025-10-25 20:00 - 22:00
Cronyn Observatory was built on October 25th, 1940, marking this year as the 85th anniversary. Join us for the celebration and learn about the history and role of the observatory in the Western University community and for the general public of London, Ontario.

How Spectroscopy unlocks the Secrets of the Universe
2025-11-15 20:00 - 22:00
You’re invited to the next public night at Cronyn Observatory!
Ever wonder how astronomers figure out what universe made up of? Join us on Saturday, November 15th as Sam Barber reveals the secrets of spectroscopy – the powerful technique that lets us decode the light from distant cosmic objects, revealing the composition, temperature, motion, and chemistry of objects across the cosmos. 🌈
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 pm
Check out our schedule for more upcoming events at: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
For directions and parking information, visit: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
We hope to see you there!

Student Public Night
2025-11-20 18:00 - 21:00
While public nights are usually on Saturdays, this special midweek session is scheduled so students can stop by after class and enjoy some time exploring astronomy.
Visitors can tour the observatory, take part in astronomy demonstrations, and, if the weather allows, the highlight of the evening would be to observe the night sky through our telescopes.
This event is free and open to all—no registration needed, just drop in.
Hope to see you there!

Supernovae
2025-12-06 20:00 - 22:00
Come join us for our public night! You’ll have a chance to dive into the Science of Supernovae with an engaging talk by our expert astronomer.
🌌 If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out.
🌟 Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required! Drop by to add a spark of celestial magic to your evening – ideal for a unique night out, a memorable date, or a family adventure.

Public Night: Jupiter
2026-01-10 19:00 - 21:00
January 2026 brings Jupiter to the center stage in our night sky. On January 10th, the giant planet reaches opposition, appearing brighter and larger than at any other time this year (with subsequent oppositions happening roughly every 13 months). It’s a great opportunity to explore this giant planet – both through our telescopes and through its rich history of observation and discovery.
Join us on Saturday, January 10th, as Adrien Helias presents “A Brief History of Jupiter,” tracing our understanding of this planet from ancient stargazers to modern spacecraft missions. Learn how our view of Jupiter has evolved over centuries and what recent discoveries have revealed about its swirling storms and diverse moons.
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing, giving you the chance to see Jupiter and four of its largest moons (Io, Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto). You will have a chance to ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required!
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Saturday, January 10th
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Check out our schedule: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
Directions and parking: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
We hope to see you there!

Women in Astronomy Night
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:00
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).

Public Night: Pi-Day
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00
You’re invited to celebrate Pi Day at Cronyn Observatory!
Pi isn’t just a number – it’s a tool astronomers use every day. From calculating spacecraft orbits to measuring the size of distant planets, pi helps us explore and understand the universe. On March 14th (3.14!), we’re celebrating this mathematical constant by exploring one of its most elegant applications in astronomy: planetary motion. Join us on Saturday, March 14th as Mark Baker takes you through the graceful dance of planets around the Sun.
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required!
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Saturday, March 14th
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Directions and parking: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
Check out our schedule: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
We hope to see you there!

We are (Not) Alone
2026-03-26 19:00 - 22:00
While public nights are usually on Saturdays, this special midweek session is scheduled so students can stop by after class and enjoy some time exploring astronomy.
In partnership with Wellness & Well-being, visitors will hear about how the building blocks of the universe are also contained within us and have a chance to connect with peers about our place in the universe. Visitors will also take part in astronomy demonstrations, and if the weather allows, the highlight of the evening will be to observe the night sky through our telescopes.”

This event is free and open to all—no registration needed, just drop in.
Hope to see you there!

Public Night
2026-04-11 19:00 - 21:00
You’re invited to the next public night at Cronyn Observatory!
From concept to launch, building rockets takes precision engineering, creative problem-solving, and a passion for reaching new heights. Join us on Saturday, April 11th, as Dylan Peters from Western Engineering Rocketry takes you behind the scenes of their student-led rocket program. Discover how the team designs, tests, and launches rockets, and the challenges they face along the way! 🚀
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required!
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Check out our schedule: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
Directions and parking: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/visit-the-observatory/directions-maps-and-parking/
We hope to see you there!

Summer Public Night
2026-05-02 20:30 - 23:00
Join us for a public night at Cronyn Observatory! These free, drop-in events welcome curious minds of all ages to explore astronomy in a fun, relaxed setting. Each night features a talk by a guest speaker on fascinating topics from planets and stars to space missions and cosmic mysteries. Get hands-on with interactive astronomy demonstrations and explore the Observatory’s rich history as you wander through this historic building. When the skies cooperate, we’ll have our telescopes ready for you to observe the night sky and see celestial wonders up close. Our friendly astronomers are eager to share their passion for space and answer all your questions. Whether you’re a lifelong stargazer, bringing the family for a unique evening out, or simply curious about the universe, you’re welcome here. No registration needed – just show up and let the adventure begin!

Science Rendezvous
2026-05-09 20:30 - 23:00
🔭 We’re heading to Science Rendezvous on May 9th — come find us!
If you’ve ever wondered what the Sun actually looks like up close, or how scientists can tell what a star is made of just from its light, this is your chance to find out in person.
We’ll be at Thompson Arena from noon to 6 pm as part of Western’s free annual science festival — 42 booths, all free, all open to anyone curious enough to show up.
At our “Starlight Detective” booth, you can:

See how infrared reveals what your eyes can’t see
Try a hands-on demo of how astronomers “read” light to understand the universe
Get a feel for the magnification power of a telescope

If the weather cooperates, we’ll also have solar telescopes set up outside so you can see the Sun safely.
Then at 8:30 pm, the night continues at Cronyn Observatory for our regular public night — a talk on “Astronomy Ignited: Things That Go Boom in the Universe”, a tour of the observatory, and a look through our telescopes into the night sky.
📅 May 9th, 2026 🕛 12:00 – 6:00 pm — Thompson Arena 🕣 8:30 – 11:00 pm — Cronyn Observatory (A 3-minute walk between venues)
Free. No registration. Just show up. More info: https://www.sciencerendezvous-western.ca

Summer Public Night - Visiting Black Holes
2026-05-16 20:30 - 23:00

Summer Public Night - The Infrared View: What the Universe Doesn't Want You to See
2026-05-23 20:30 - 23:00

Summer Public Night - X-ray Astronomy
2026-05-30 20:30 - 23:00

Summer Public Night - Sporadic meteoroids and their risk in space
2026-06-06 20:30 - 23:00
Every day, Earth is bombarded by countless tiny fragments of asteroids and comets, but what happens when these meteoroids pose a threat to spacecraft and astronauts? Join us on Saturday, June 6th, as Max Vovk explores the world of sporadic meteoroids, the unpredictable tiny particles that zip through our solar system. Learn where they come from, how we detect and track them, and why understanding their risk is crucial for the safety of satellites, space missions, and the people who travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
If the skies are clear, we’ll have our telescopes ready for night sky observing. Engage with expert astronomers and ask your burning questions – this event is perfect for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky, whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting out. 🌟
Admission is completely FREE and open to all. No registration required! Drop by for a unique evening under the stars – ideal for families, students, seasoned stargazers, and anyone curious about the universe.
Venue: Cronyn Observatory, Western University
Date: Saturday, June 6th
Time: 8:30 to 11:00 pm
Check out our summer schedule: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/schedule/
We hope to see you there!
