Final Night at the Centre of the Universe - Aug 24, 2013

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RASC Victoria Centre members have supported the National Research Council of Canada's astronomy public outreach facility, called the Centre of the Universe, since it was opened in 2001.  The Government of Canada cut the NRC's budget, forcing the agency to make some painful cuts to programs...one of which is the Centre of the Universe facility.

True to tradition, RASC members were there for the final night.

It was indeed a bittersweet event. I've included views from the top of the parking out to the road and a shot from the deck of the interpretive centre. These are the views that I remember from Saturday nights. I'm glad I was able to capture an image of the staff of the Centre of the Universe and our local RASC members at the end of the evening. It was important to remind myself of the importance of public outreach and to pass on the things that we have learned and come to love.

David Lee

A huge thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Centre of the Universe for their support and help to us volunteers here over the years. You're the best! Thanks also to all the visitors over the years who have helped make our hobby so enjoyable and rewarding. You will all be missed.

Chuck Filtness

 

Please sign the online petition: Find a way to keep the NRC's "Centre of the Universe" visitors centre open

If you are a Canadian resident, please also sign the paper petition, which will be tabled in the House of Commons. These petitions can be found at all southern Vancouver Island constituency offices of the Provincial Members of the Legislative Assembly of BC and Federal Members of Parliament (call MP Randall Garrison at 250-479-4154). You can also download the petition from here: saanichobservatory.ca

Facebook: SAVE Centre of the Universe - please "Like"

Press coverage

bullet Farewell to Centre of the Universe - Times-Colonist newspaper - Aug 24, 2013
bullet Observatory Closing (video) - CHEK News - Aug 24, 2013
bullet As Centre of the Universe readies to close, fight to keep it open continues - Times-Colonist newspaper - Aug 23, 2013
bulletCTV Reports on efforts to save the Centre of the Universe (video) - CTV News - Jul 19, 2013
bullet Petitions urge governemnt to reverse decision to close Centre of the Universe - Times-Colonist newspaper - Jul 19, 2013
bullet Ottawa shuts program giving kids access to Canada's largest telescope - The Globe and Mail - Jun 24, 2013
bullet Budget cuts force closure of Victoria's Centre of the Universe - metronews.ca - Jun 21, 2013
bullet Centre of the Universe in Saanich to close at the end of summer - Victoria News - Jun 20, 2013

Press coverage - subsequent to the closure

bullet Centre of the Universe could reopen next spring - Victoria News - Nov 25, 2013
bullet Deal close to reopen Centre of the Universe for students and public viewings - Times Colonist - Nov 25, 2013

 

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Last updated: January 29, 2014

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