The stars will be out in more ways than one on May 3 as the Royal BC Museum and Dominion Astrophysical Observatory hold events for International Astronomy Day.
Family-friendly activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria. Visitors can check out the solar telescope, astronomy displays from local institutions, and hands-on science exhibits for kids.
Speakers at the museum will include local historian Amy Archer, author Nathan Hellner-Mestelman, who will explore the language of the stars, astrophotographer Brock Johnston, who will show imaging of Saturn through its orbit, and historian Chris Gainor.
Admission is free for Astronomy Day activities, though regular museum entrance fees still apply.
Evening events will be held at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at 5071 West Saanich Rd. from 7:30 to 11 p.m., with tours of the historic Plaskett Telescope, access to the Centre of the Universe exhibits, and a presentation by astronomer Gerald Schieven on the ALMA radio telescope in Chile.
Weather permitting, members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will offer a telescope viewing.
Entry to the observatory will be free but requires a reserved ticket, available starting April 28 at centreoftheuniverse.org.
