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Tuesday 11am - 6pm Wednesday 11am - 6pm Thursday 11am - 6pm Friday 11am - 6pm Saturday 11am - 6pm

Centre of the Universe

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Centre of the Universe

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We are the Centre of the Universe, the visitors' centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, BC, Canada.

We're dedicated to public science outreach and welcoming visitors from everywhere! We are a non-profit BC-registered Society based in Victoria, B.C. dedicated to promoting public science outreach at the DAO. We aim to revitalize its public programming and visitors centre, the Centre of the Universe.

09/25/2026

As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, we're reflecting on the many ways knowledge is carried through the sky, the seasons, and the land.

Centre of the Universe is located on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. W̱SÁNEĆ teachings recognize the 13 moons as part of natural law, with each moon offering guidance on seasonal rhythms, food systems, weather, and cultural life.

In a place shaped by skywatching, may this be a reminder that the moon has long been more than something to observe. It has also been a teacher. 🌕

09/14/2026

From the early days of construction in the 1910s to a working observatory today, Centre of the Universe has been exploring the universe for over 100 years. Swipe through and see how it has changed.

09/03/2026

The Centre of the Universe has partnered with Vox Humana Chamber Choir since 2009 to produce Vox in the Stars, a truly unique musical event in which audience and singers come together in the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory for a concert of evocative, celestially-inspired choral music performed under the stars, within the historic Plaskett Telescope dome.

This year's performances are happening from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September. There are still a few tickets left for the Friday and Sunday performances (Saturday is already sold out, and tickets for Friday are scarce!).

This year ticket holders can join in with the Celestial Encore - an entertaining astronomy experience with a lunar theme, featuring a planetarium show, an entertaining presentation, and stargazing through our telescopes if the weather cooperates!

Get tickets for Vox In the Stars at

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vox-humana-chamber-choir-presents-vox-in-the-stars-tickets-1995155624180

Ticket holders will be sent details of the Celestial Encore after purchase

09/03/2026

Big questions deserve real answers.

With our tours being capped at just 24 guests, we provide the environment to do just that - ask an astronomer anything and get the answers to the questions you’ve always wondered about. These small groups provide a welcoming setting that makes the experience feel personalized from start to finish.

What is something you’ve always wondered about space?

08/28/2026

From last night's Partial Lunar Eclipse. Taken from Little Saanich Mountain by the Integration and Testing [Big Green] Building below the Centre of the Universe.

08/24/2026

Have you ever looked through a telescope? 🔭

Join us for one of our Star parties and experience the magic for yourself!💫

08/21/2026

Mark your calendar for August 27! 🌖 Experience the partial lunar eclipse from one of Victoria’s most memorable viewpoints.

See the eclipse outside with a view of the city or come inside Centre of the Universe to watch with guides and astronomers who help make space feel a little closer. ⭐️

08/18/2026

Check out our new blog about last week's spectacular total solar eclipse!

Total solar eclipses are magical events not only because of the spectacle in the sky but also because of the effect on the surroundings here on earth – the way the air moves, the quality of the dimming light, and the reaction of the people observing with you. Read an

08/14/2026

Eclipse 2026 from Playa Riumar, Delte d'Ebre, Spain. Down on the beach it looked like no one was all that interested at first - beach volleyball, splashing in the ocean. But the cameras (like mine) came out, and everyone looked west. As the eclipse wind started to blow and twilight came on, there was a surge of emotion. Totality brought applause and audible wows.

It lasted less than 90 seconds before the closing Diamond Ring, but the memories will last.

Added: a picture during totality with the solar corona turned down showing prominences (long lasting arches of luminous gas) all over the sun's limb.

Photo note: Canon EOS R10 400mm. Pre-eclipse pictures taken with a 32-Stop ND filter. The flare closeup shows we weren't completely in focus, but neither did I want to fiddle with the camera at that crucial moment!

08/06/2026

Think you know space? 🪐

From black holes to shooting stars, the universe is full of surprises. Swipe through to test what you know and maybe learn something new. 🤩

Address

5071 West Saanich Road
Victoria, BC
V9E2E7

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11am - 6pm
Wednesday	11am - 6pm
Thursday	11am - 6pm
Friday	11am - 6pm
Saturday	11am - 6pm

Telephone

+12503633638

Website

https://centreoftheuniverse.org/, https://centreoftheuniverse.org/donate, https://centreoftheuniverse.org/events

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