Ontario Science Centre: International Astronomy Day
Join us on May 11 as we celebrate International Astronomy Day with a fun-filled day—and night—of exciting programs and experiences for visitors of all ages. Head outdoors and try your hand at solar telescope observing. Take a journey into space in the comfort of our IMAX® Dome theatre. And so much more—including a cluster of astronomy-themed pop-up activities throughout the day. It’s an out-of-this-world experience you won’t want to miss!
Solar Observing*
Enjoy close-up views of our nearest star! Safely observe the Sun with members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre using specially filtered telescopes. Learn about our nearest star and try your eye at spotting exotic surface features, including sunspots, spicules and prominences.
10:00am–12:00pm
TELUSCAPE
Free
Ask an Astronomer
Learn all about black holes from Dr. Ue-Li Pen from the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.
1:00pm
Hot Zone, Level 6
Included with general admission
Try a Telescope
Have you just bought—or are thinking of purchasing—a telescope? Learn about the different types of telescopes and how to use them from experts from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre.
2:00–4:00pm
Studio 2, Level 2
Included with general admission
Planetarium Experiences
Sit back in Toronto’s only public planetarium as a live presenter takes you on a fantastic voyage to the Moon, the solar system or beyond! Please check boards on Levels 4 and 6 for show times.
Eyes on the Skies
Discover the nighttime sky through singing, connecting the stars and blasting off to space! For ages 5 and under.
The Sky Tonight
What’s visible in the sky tonight? Revel in the beauty of the local night sky and learn about fascinating celestial objects. Pick up stargazing basics to observe the night sky from your own backyard—or at our Star Party. For ages 5 and up.
The Planetarium, Space Hall, Level 4
Limited seating | Children must be accompanied by an adult
Included with general admission
IMAX® film: Journey to Space+
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready to see the major strides NASA is taking to send humankind to Mars within a generation. Consider a future where humans can live and operate in space. Learn how space experts are turning science fiction dreams into reality.
12:00, 4:00 & 6:00pm
Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre, Level 2
$9 for all ages
Evening Star Party*
Experience astronomical proportions of fun for the whole family at our first Star Party of 2019! Observe the night sky,* create a comet, tour the universe with NASA’s Eyes and hear from experts in space science. Witness the Moon and Mars along with lively activities and demonstrations in this universally enlightening—and free—evening.
Speakers include Frank Dempsey (Constellation Legends of Indigenous North America) and Dr. Diana Valencia (Other Places We Can Call Home).
7:00–10:00pm
TELUSCAPE
Free | Parking $10 (Member discount applies)
In the event of poor weather, Star Party activities will be held indoors
*Telescope observing is presented by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Toronto Centre and is weather dependent.
+While International Astronomy Day programs and activities are included with regular admission, there is an additional fee for IMAX® admission.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: International Astronomy Day programs and activities are included with regular admission. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle (member discount applies).
Organized by: Ontario Science Centre and RASC - Toronto Centre
Registration: Not required
Location: Ontario Science Centre