Open House and Awards Picnic at the E.C. Carr Astronomical Observatory

Toronto Centre members and their families are cordially invited to attend the 19th Annual Carr Astronomical Observatory (CAO) Open House and RASC Toronto Centre Awards Picnic on Saturday, June 24th, 2017. With ample shelter available in the house and observatory, this is a rain or shine event, so plan to be there. It provides a great opportunity to network and socialize with your fellow members.

Tour the Geoff Brown Observatory with its C14 telescope and Paramount robotic mount, browse the Fred Troyer Library, enjoy a picnic in the country, and take part in the traditional model rocket launches and kite flying.

An interpretive hike along the Margaret Paull loop and the Bruce Trail will begin at 1:00 p.m., with kite flying at 2:30 p.m. and rocket launching beginning at 3:45 p.m. The Awards Presentation will begin at about 5:00 p.m., but you are welcome to arrive anytime. Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, bug spray and maybe warmer clothing for evening observing. The Centre will provide refreshments and snack foods (chips, pretzels, etc.). Various salads and other summer foods to add to the communal table would also be appreciated. Don't forget to bring along something to grill on the huge barbecue that will be available for your use!

If skies permit, we will all do some dark-sky observing in a safe and friendly environment. Bring your telescopes and binoculars, but don't worry if you don't have any of your own; our astronomers have been taught to share the view! With a new moon, we will be able to hunt down some deep sky faint fuzzies shortly after twilight ends.

There are several mattress pads and foldaway beds available in addition to 11 beds. There is plenty of green space for camping.

If you haven’t attended an event at the CAO before, this video of last year’s StarBQ will give you an idea of what’s in store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBuYo_bXDhU

To register your attendance, please use the CAO Bookings form on our website at http://rascto.ca/content/cao-bookings-form (National ID and password required) as soon as you can, whether you are coming for the day or overnight. There is no charge to attend or stay overnight, but we ask you to register so the organizing committee has enough refreshments and snacks.

For directions to the Carr Observatory, if you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer to help, please contact cao@rascto.ca.

We look forward to seeing many of you at this great annual event.