A stargazer’s dream day at the museum, observatory

Stargazers will get an opportunity to stare deep into the known universe at International Astronomy Day events planned for Saturday.

Daytime activities take place at the Royal B.C. Museum, followed by public telescope viewing at the National Research Council of Canada’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and the Centre of the Universe when the sun sets.

The day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. with solar telescopes at the museum for safe viewing of the sun. Visitors can also see a Walk among the Planets display, created by members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, outside on the main concourse.

Telescope, mirror grinding, astrophotography and historical displays can be found in the museum’s Clifford Carl Hall, with society volunteers and Science Venture students from the University of Victoria on hand to engage children with hands-on activities.

There will be two lecture presentations on astronomy in the museum’s Newcombe Conference Hall, at 1 and 2 p.m.

All presentations, displays and workshops are free, but regular museum admission charges apply. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, 675 Belleville St. For information, go to royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Victoria Centre and the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics will co-host evening activities at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.

Centre of the Universe exhibits will be open and tours of the observatory will be given every half hour. The historic Plaskett Telescope will be open for tours, with society members setting up their personal telescopes for public viewing, weather permitting.

Astronomer Ivar Arroway will give a public lecture on the Kuiper Belt, found at the edge of our solar system, at 8 p.m.

This event marks the beginning of 2016 public events at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.

Entry to the observatory is free, but tickets are required. The event runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., rain or shine at Observatory Hill, 5071 West Saanich Rd. For tickets, go to summerstarparties.eventbrite.ca. For information, go to victoria.rasc.ca.