Speaker: Lauren Hetherington In 1572, astronomers around the world saw a brilliant supernova which outshone every other star in the sky. It faded from view over the following two years and yet, today, we can still detect light from this ancient stellar explosion. How can this be? The answer lies in light echoes: light reflected by dust far from the initial explosion. Join us for the May AstroTour talk to discover what can we learn from these radiant echoes in space and how it is that they often look like they’re moving faster than the speed of light.

Amanda Peet, University of Toronto Four decades ago, Stephen Hawking posed a paradox about black holes and quantum theory that still challenges the imaginations of theoretical physicists today. One of the most promising approaches to resolving the "information paradox" (the notion that nothing, not even information itself, survives beyond a black hole's point-of-no-return event horizon) is string theory, a part of modern physics that has wiggled its way into the popular consciousness.

The visionary Oscar-winning writer and director of Gravity introduces Stanley Kubrick's science-fiction masterpiece.

Is our universe the only one? How do we prevent a zombie plague? Will biometrics eliminate privacy altogether? Will climate change put fish in hot water? Should we trust the machines? Join York University professors Matthew Johnson, Jane Heffernan, Demian Ifa, Sapna Sharma and Edward Jones-Imhotep in a conversation with CBC Radio’s The Current host Anna Maria Tremonti on five big questions for the next 50 years.

Westfield Heritage Village is having a Star Party and you won't want to miss it! Presented in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society and McMaster University, this will be a unique opportunity to learn about the wonders of the night sky through a fun and interactive evening of exploration and discovery. Mark your calendar for Friday April 24.

Join the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers from 8:00 to 11:00pm for a view of the cosmos! Who can attend: EveryoneFee: FreeReservations: Not requiredOrganized by: Hamilton Amateur AstronomersLocation: Bayfront Park, Harbour Front Dr. at Bay St. N. in Hamilton http://www.amateurastronomy.org/club-events/

Learn about scopes and astro equipment from amateur astronomers; a great, no cost introduction to the hobby! Who can attend: EveryoneFee: FreeReservations: Not requiredOrganized by: Hamilton Amateur AstronomersLocation: Hamilton Spectator building, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton, ON  L8N 3G3 (near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St. West)

Start your own space program and reach to the stars! Kerbal Space Program is an award winning game that teaches players real-world physics and engineering skills as they attempt to explore the Kerbal solar system. Players assist the lovable-but-hapless Kerbals as they build rockets and carry out orbital missions. In the end players learn the difficulties NASA and ESA face when traveling to the stars. This multi day program will start out with a tutorial, and then attempt a mission to the moon or even another planet.

A space-themed concert of choral music, directed by Tom Bell, and featuring visuals and commentary by astronomer John Percy (University of Toronto). ASLAN Space Concert promo video (YouTube)

Speaker: Phil Mozel, Mississauga Centre RASC The last two years have seen numerous celebrations to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Many battles took place very close to the venue of Mississauga Centre meetings. Of possible interest to amateur astronomers is the state of astronomical knowledge at this time when war raged not only across parts of Canada and the United States but in Napoleonic Europe as well. As an amateur historian, Phil will also reveal, through his alter ego, his special connection to this period.