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The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

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The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

The RASC services 30 Centres across Canada to bring you closer to the stars. Explore the universe wit

12/15/2025

Be sure to take full advantage of your RASC membership with access to the digital JRASC, Canada’s premier astronomy journal.

The Journal includes:
🌌 Scientific & Expert Articles: from amateur and professional astronomers
📝 Engaging Columns: astrophotography, observatories, discoveries & more
📚 Historic Record: preserved in archives like NASA ADS
✨ Contribute & Be Published: share your astronomy knowledge
👏 Volunteer-Driven Excellence: high-quality content curated by dedicated editors

There is also the option to subscribe to the printed Journal for an additional fee.

For more information: https://www.rasc.ca/journal

12/12/2025

Looking for a meaningful gift for the astronomy lover in your life or a young stargazer just starting their journey?

A RASC membership opens the door to a world of stargazing opportunities: access to local RASC centres, star parties, observing programs, and exclusive resources like the Observers’ Handbook, monthly newsletters, and guides to the night sky.

It’s a gift that sparks curiosity, encourages learning, and connects them with a community that shares their love of the stars.

This holiday season, share a gift that inspires all year long. ✨

Gift today: https://secure.rasc.ca/membership/account/register

12/08/2025

🌟 Why do stars twinkle?

When you look up at the night sky, you may notice stars sparkling or flickering. This twinkling happens because of Earth’s atmosphere.

As starlight travels through the layers of air, which have varying temperatures and densities, it bends slightly. This bending (called refraction) makes the star appear to change brightness and position rapidly, creating that familiar twinkle.

Next time you’re outside on a clear night, take a moment to watch the stars dance in the sky. That twinkle is a reminder of the dynamic world above us, shaped by both the universe and our own atmosphere.

12/05/2025

🌟 Happy International Volunteer Day! 🌟

Today we celebrate the incredible volunteers who are the heart of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

From hosting stargazing nights and leading public outreach, to contributing to the Observer’s Handbook, Journal, and Observer’s Calendar — our volunteers inspire curiosity, share knowledge, and help Canadians connect with the universe above us.

Every talk, every photo, every moment spent under the stars is made possible by their dedication, passion, and love for astronomy.

To all our volunteers across Canada - thank you for the countless hours you give to education, outreach, and the community. You make the RASC shine.

💫 Interested in joining this amazing group of volunteers? Learn how you can get involved: https://rasc.ca/volunteer-opportunities

12/03/2025

🏆 Recognize Excellence in Astronomy!

Every year, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada honours members for their outstanding contributions, whether at your local Centre, at the National level, or for the broader astronomical community.

Now is your chance to nominate someone who has made a difference! Celebrate those who inspire, educate, and share their passion for the night sky.

✨ Submit your nominations today and help shine a light on the stars of our community!
🗓️ Deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025.
ℹ️ For more information, visit https://www.rasc.ca/rasc-awards

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday Double Your Impact! ✨

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) is a national non-profit dedicated to astronomy education, dark-sky protection, and inspiring people across the country to explore and understand the night sky. Help us keep astronomy accessible and inspiring for Canadians everywhere.

Throughout December donations to RASC National will be matched up to $20,000. Your support helps to support astronomy programs, education and public outreach, advocacy for darks skies and core soceity operations.

➡️ Donate today and double your impact! Link to donate in bio.

Note: Only donations to National qualify for the match, but supporting your local RASC Centre is always encouraged!

12/01/2025

✨Your month, night by night!

Flip to pages 94–121 in the RASC Observer’s Handbook and you’ll find Sky by the Month — a day-by-day guide to planets, Moon phases, meteor showers, and more.

The handy cut line gets you there fast, so you can plan your stargazing or imaging sessions without missing a single celestial event.

📖 Pro tip: Mark your month and watch the sky unfold every night!

11/28/2025

The holiday season is here, and RASC has some stellar deals to help you or the astronomy enthusiasts in your life celebrate the wonders of the night sky!

Holiday Bundles: 20% off
- The Observer’s Bundle: 2026 Canadian Handbook and Calendar
- The Observer's Bundle: 2026 US Handbook and Calendar
- The Stargazer’s Bundle: 2026 Night Sky Guide and Calendar

Special Holiday Discounts: 25% off
- Building a Small Observatory
- Solar Observer’s Handbook
- Explore the Universe Workbook
- Nightwatchman’s Journey

Store: https://secure.rasc.ca/store/category/rasc-publications

🗓️ To receive items before Christmas, orders in Canada must be placed by December 10th.

11/24/2025

RASC Dark Sky News! ✨

RASC is excited to celebrate LeTerrain Dark Sky Preserve, officially designated in 2025!

Located in La Pêche, Quebec, this privately-owned (membership access) 430-acre, four-season outdoor centre shares the magic of the Quebec wilderness while protecting the beauty and heritage of its night skies.

LeTerrain offers excellent conditions for stargazing, deep-sky observing, and astrophotography — a perfect reminder of why protecting our dark skies matters.

11/18/2025

Constellation vs. Asterism - What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably heard of constellations like Orion, Ursa Major, or Cassiopeia.

✨ Constellations are officially recognized “map sections” of the sky. There are 88 constellations in total and each one covers a defined area of the night sky.

But what about Asterisms?

✨ Asterisms are recognizable star patterns within a constellation or across multiple constellations.

Examples: The Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major), Orion's Belt (part of Orion), or the Summer Triangle (spans across Aquila, Cygnus, and Lyra,).

So, while every constellation is officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, asterisms are the fun patterns stargazers notice and name. Both make the night sky easier to navigate!

What is your fav constellation or asterism?

11/12/2025

Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, are one of nature’s most magical light shows! But what's actually happening in the sky?

They’re created when charged particles from the Sun reach Earth and interact with our atmosphere. These particles bump into gases, like oxygen and nitrogen, which glow in colours like green, red, purple, and pink!

The lights dance in shapes across the sky - flowing curtains, smooth arcs, or diffusing across the entire night sky.

While auroras are strongest near the magnetic poles, sometimes solar activity pushes them farther south, giving more of us a chance to see them.

For the best view, find a dark-sky location away from city lights!

📷 Northern Escape Photography | Oct. 2025 | Hudson Bay, SK.

💚❤️💜💖

11/10/2025

Canada is home to several Dark Sky Preserves.

✨Jasper National Park in Alberta
✨Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland
✨ Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan
✨ Spruce Woods Provincial Park in Manitoba
✨ Mount Carleton Provincial Park in New Brunswick

Find the full list on Page 84 of the Observer’s Handbook.

What’s your favourite dark sky site?

Address

203-489 College Street
Toronto, ON
M6G1A5

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14169247973

Website

http://www.rasc.ca/

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