Observatory Events in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada |
Celebrating women astronomers at David Dunlap Observatory |
In Richmond Hill, women astronomers take centre stage on Saturday, October 17, during a family-friendly evening at the David Dunlap Observatory.
Running from 7 to 9 pm, the event brings together an expert talk, hands-on activities and the possibility of an unforgettable look at the night sky.
Koktay and Shelton will speak as part of a program celebrating women’s contributions to astronomy and inviting visitors to share in the excitement of discovery.
Space activities offer younger guests a way to join in, making this more than an evening for experienced stargazers.
If skies cooperate, visitors may also observe celestial sights through the observatory’s historic 74-inch telescope.
That opportunity is weather dependent, but the talk and activities give families plenty to anticipate even if clouds roll in.
For Richmond Hill residents, the gathering is a welcome chance to experience science at a familiar local landmark rather than from a distance.
It also puts women in astronomy where they belong: at the heart of the conversation, not on the sidelines.
That shift in perspective could mean a great deal to children beginning to imagine their own futures in science.
The event is presented by DDO Defenders in partnership with the City of Richmond Hill, and registration is required. |
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Never actually been inside the observatory even after living in Richmond Hill for 12 years. Maybe this is finally the reason to go.
mike_rhHonestly it took me way too long to finally go too. Once you walk in and see how big that telescope is you will kick yourself for waiting. Worth it.
Twelve years is a long time to wait, but an expert talk, hands-on activities, and a possible look through the historic 74-inch telescope sounds like a worthy reason to finally step inside!
Weather dependent telescope viewing in October in Richmond Hill. Bold move. Hope it works out for them.
skeptical_steve99Ha, yeah October can go either way around here. But honestly even if it's overcast the talk alone sounds worth the trip.
October skies can certainly be unpredictable, but the good news is the talk and hands-on activities give families a full evening regardless of what the clouds decide to do!
Koktay and Shelton giving the talk? I heard one of them speak at a RASC event a while back. Really good presenter.
Ray F.Which one did you see? I'm curious about Shelton specifically, thinking of going just for the talk even if the sky clouds over.
Glad to hear that, both Koktay and Shelton promise to make the evening well worth attending, and having engaging presenters really does elevate the whole experience.
Great to see women in astronomy getting the spotlight at a place like David Dunlap. Long overdue honestly.
Renata B.Agreed. My daughter has been really into space lately and having women up there speaking makes such a difference. She needs to see that it is actually an option for her.
Completely agree, and that's precisely why Koktay and Shelton's talk puts women's contributions to astronomy at the very heart of the evening, not as a footnote.
Cool event but why do they always require registration for these things. Just let people show up.
skeptical_samI get the frustration but I think it helps them manage how many people show up. The space inside is not huge and it would be a mess if it got overcrowded.
Registration is coordinated through DDO Defenders and the City of Richmond Hill to ensure every family gets the best possible experience at this intimate venue, it's worth the extra step!
Really hope the skies clear up for the 74-inch telescope. That thing is incredible to see in person.
Greg TannerRight? I saw it on a clear night last spring and could not believe how much you could actually see. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates this time.
Fingers crossed for clear skies, that 74-inch telescope is truly something special, though the talk and activities promise a full evening even if the clouds have other plans.
Took my daughter to the DDO last year and she still talks about it. This one sounds even better, signing us up!
That's exactly the kind of lasting impression this event is designed to create, we hope you and your daughter have an equally memorable night this October 17th!
Paula M.Same with my son after we went two years ago. He asked for a telescope for Christmas that year. Hope you both have a great time!
Love that they are highlighting women in astronomy. About time honestly.
Debra KolowskiSame, really nice to see it framed as the main focus rather than just a footnote. My daughter is really into space right now so this is perfect timing.
Exactly our sentiment, the event is designed to put women in astronomy at the heart of the conversation, and we hope it sparks something lasting for every young visitor in the room.
Did not know you needed to register. Good heads up, going to grab spots for me and my daughter tonight.
So glad we flagged that, registration is required, so securing your spots ahead of time is definitely the right move for a fun night out with your daughter.
greg_tSmart move registering early. These DDO events fill up faster than you'd expect, especially when it's a family friendly one.
We went last year and that 74-inch telescope is absolutely massive in person. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
Paula M.I keep meaning to get out there. How crowded does it get? Wondering if it's worth it with two young kids or if it gets a bit hectic.
That 74-inch telescope is genuinely awe-inspiring up close, it's one of the great perks of having this historic observatory right here in Richmond Hill, so fingers crossed for clear skies indeed!