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International Year of Astronomy events in the Victoria area during 2009

  1. IYA 2009 Kick-off in Victoria - Jan 10, 2009
  2. IYA Report #1 (pdf)
  3. Jan 17, 2009 - IYA kick-off events at the Centre of the Universe - 2pm-6pm - free family event featuring activities for everyone in the family, including observing through telescopes (weather permitting) atop Observatory Hill.
  4. IYA Report #3 (pdf)
  5. Feb 1-28, 2009 - From Earth to The Universe (FETTU) exhibits at the Bay Centre downtown and at Victoria Airport. Exhibits and video displays of beautiful astronomy themed photos can be viewed on high definition screens all month long.  Ask the Astronomer booth and demonstration of telescopes at selected times.  From Earth to the Universe Exhibition is a collection of astronomical images that showcase the most dramatic views of our Universe. The images represent the incredible variety of astronomical objects. Event photo gallery
  6. Feb 7, 2009 2:00pm - Meet and greet Alain Berinstain at the FETTU display at the Bay Centre downtown.
  7. Feb 8, 2009 2:30pm - Free public lecture Missions to Mars by Alain Berinstain from the Canadian Space Agency at the Bob Wright building auditorium, University of Victoria. Photo gallery
  8. Mar 3, 2009 7:30pm - Free public lecture "Dark Matters" by Professor Joe Silk, from the Department of Physics, University of Oxford at the Bob Wright Centre, Room B150, University of Victoria. This lecture will discuss ongoing efforts by astronomers and particle physicists to detect dark matter.
  9. Mar 16-28 - GLOBE at Night - our volunteers will setup their telescopes at Cattle Point in Oak Bay on selected nights to help you complete your observing list for this global event.  Sorry, but the planned events at Cattle Point did not happen - we have a shortage of volunteers.
  10. Mar 22, 2009 - IYA Cemetery Tour -  Ross Bay Cemetery - Astronomy has long been a hobby and profession in Victoria. This first-time tour by Joyce Mackie marked the International Year of Astronomy by tracing the lives of those buried at Ross Bay Cemetery connected to this far out topic.
  11. Mar 28, 2009 - Lucidarium a performance staged by the Early Music Society of the Islands at Alex Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Avenue - "pure energy on period instruments" recreates performances of the itinerant professional musicians of the Italian Renaissance - the same time period as when Galileo pointed his telescope skyward for the first time.

  12. April 2, 2009 - IYA Canada Commemorative Stamps Unveiled - Beautiful commemorative stamps were unveiled at a ceremony held atop Observatory Hill in the Plaskett Dome.

  13. April  to June 4, 2009 - Cosmic Voyage - IMAX Victoria - Stunning computer animation with cutting-edge science gives us a sweeping view of the universe. A "cosmic zoom" extends from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the universe, and then back down into the sub-nuclear realm. COSMIC VOYAGE was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Short Subject Category. Every Tuesday evening in April: speakers at 6pm & 7:45pm, and IMAX IYA Sidewalk Astronomy at 9:30pm.

  14. April 19, 2009 - Sun Day - Noon - 2 pm at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Sunday,  The Gonzales Observatory was designed to look at only one star � the sun! We use modern telescopes to look at the sun while exploring the history of this unique Victoria landmark. Meet at the observatory at the end of Denison Road, off Beach Drive.
  15. April 25th, 2009 (Saturday)  - Earth Day celebrations at Centennial Square from 1:00pm to 4:00pm - solar observing (weather permitting) event info
  16. April 28th - May 2, 2009 - 100 Hours of Sidewalk Astronomy Marathon - Started at 3:00pm on April 28th at Royal British Columbia Museum courtyard, and ended at 11:05pm on May 2nd at the Centre of the Universe, Observatory Hill on Astronomy Day.  Event photo Gallery
  17. May 2, 2009 - Astronomy Day - lots of activities were offered to the public between 10am and 4 pm at the Centre of the Universe (CU), Observatory Hill. Unfortunately the stargazing scheduled from 7pm-11pm was not possible due to inclement weather. Event photo gallery
  18. May 30, 2009 - Beaveree - 10am to 4pm at Camp Barnard, Sooke - display and solar observing for little astronomers. Event photo gallery

  19. June 1, 2009 - Night Sky Viewing in Fairfield at Sir James Douglas School from 6:30pm to 10pm in the adjacent playground and in the Garry Oak Room. Even photo gallery
  20. Cosmic Voyage - played at IMAX Victoria until June 4, 2009 - Stunning computer animation with cutting-edge science gives us a sweeping view of the universe. A "cosmic zoom" extends from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the universe, and then back down into the sub-nuclear realm. Cosmic Voyage was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Short Subject Category.
  21. June 2-20, 2009 - A Short History of Night - a performance by Theatre Inconnu - theatrically charts the beginnings of modern science through the dramatization of two of the Renaissance�s most colorful figures: Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe and geometrician & mystic Johannes Kepler. Poster (162k pdf). June 6th - night sky viewing at Fernwood Little Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road in conjunction with the play.
  22. June 13, 2009 - Buccaneer Days - Bullen Field behind Archie Browning Sports Centre. Event photo gallery
  23. June 18th to September 10, 2009 every Thursday evening - Night Sky Viewing at The Butchart Gardens from 8:00pm to 10:00pm  (weather permitting). In recognition of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), the Victoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society is collaborating with The Butchart Gardens to host "Night Sky Viewing" sessions for the Garden's visitors. Event photo gallery
  24. June 21, 2009 11am-2pm - Solstice Day - observe the Sun at Beaver Beach, Beaver Lake Park. Event photo gallery
  25. July 1, 2009 - Sidney Day - Memorial Park Society grounds
  26. June 18th to September 10, 2009 every Thursday evening - Night Sky Viewing at The Butchart Gardens from 8:00pm to 10:00pm  (weather permitting). In recognition of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), the Victoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society is collaborating with The Butchart Gardens to host "Night Sky Viewing" sessions for the Garden's visitors. Event photo gallery
  27. July 5, 2009 11am-3pm - Strawberry Festival - Elk/Beaver Lake, sponsored by CRD Parks
  28. July 17-19, 2009 weekend -.Island Star Party - camp under the stars on the July New Moon weekend on the Malahat.
  29. August 2, 2009 - Solar and Night viewing at Symphony Splash - 2:00pm to 10:30pm, Inner Harbour. (weather permitting)
  30. Pender Island Stargazing 2009 - astronomy outreach to the Gulf Islands residents and visitors, sponsored by Parks Canada
  31. Aug 2, 2009 - Victoria Symphony Splash - solar viewing by our volunteers, musical programs by the Victoria Symphony and friends, and finishing with fireworks in the Inner Harbour. Event photo gallery
  32. August 1-31, 2009 - Neighborhood Sidewalk Astronomy - events in your neighborhood.
  33. Sept 5-7, 2009 - Saanich Fair - daytime astronomy display and viewing our Sun through special filters (weather permitting). Held at the Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stellys Cross Road in Saanichton. Event photo gallery

  34. Sept 11 & 12, 2009 - Open House- Astrophysicists Open Their Doors!  - NRC-CNRC - celebrate International Year of Astronomy by taking a tour of the labs and telescopes on Observatory Hill. Activities for children; "Ask an Astronomer" table, self-guided tours of facilities, lectures, multimedia, demonstrations, telescope viewing. Event photo gallery

  35. Sept 12-13, 2009 - Metchosin Day - daytime astronomy display and viewing our Sun through special filters on Sunday the 13th, 10am-3pm, as well as night time viewing (weather permitting) on Saturday the 12th from 8-10pm. Held at the Metchosin Municipal Grounds near the intersection of Happy Valley Road and Rocky Point Road. Event photo gallery

  36. Sept 28, 2009 - Fairfield Night Sky Viewing - night sky viewing and astronomy displays at Sir James Douglas School in Fairfield. Event photo gallery

  37. Sept 29, 2009 7:30pm - Free public lecture "Dark Matters" by Professor Joe Silk, from the Department of Physics, University of Oxford at the Bob Wright Centre, Room B150, University of Victoria. This lecture will discuss ongoing efforts by astronomers and particle physicists to detect dark matter. University of Victoria - Calendar

  38. Oct 1-27, 2009 - From the Earth To The Universe at Mayfair Shopping Centre. Back in Victoria by popular demand. Celebrate the stunning beauty of the Universe on a spectacular journey through 13 billion years of the evolving Universe. In addition to stupendous photographs of space created by international and Canadian astronomers both professional and amateur, this digital exhibit features artwork by Greater Victoria schoolchildren as well as universe-inspired art. Members of the RASC will be on hand Friday through Sunday at the following hours to answer any questions about the show. Fridays 3:00 to 7:00PM; Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 to 4:00PM.

  39. Oct 16, 2009 7:30pm - Free public lecture by Dava Sobel, award winning author of "Galileo's Daughter", "Longitude", and other books - at the Bob Wright Centre, Room B150, University of Victoria.

  40. Oct 17, 2009 7:10pm - Galileo's Daughters with Dava Sobel and Ronn McFarlane - a performance staged by the Early Music Society of the Islands at Alex Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Avenue. "On the 400th anniversary of Galileo turning his telescope to the night sky comes a multi-media tribute to the great astronomer. Music of 17th century Italy is complemented by spectacular projected images of the cosmos and the narration of best-selling author Dava Sobel (Longitude, Galileo's Daughter)."  Event photo gallery

  41. October 19, 2009 6:30pm - NRC Movie Night at the Centre of the Universe. This family event features Jodie Foster in "Contact". Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the movie as it is projected against the dome of the Plaskett Telescope at the National Research Council�s Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, 5071 West Saanich Rd. Centre of the Universe Sponsored by National Science and Technology Week.

  42. October 23, 2009 2:30 to 3:30pm - An Astronomer�s Life. Free talk for kids 8-12 with National Research Council astronomer Dr. Alan McConnachie, Nellie McClung Library, 3950 Cedar Hill Rd, PM. Sponsored by the Greater Victoria Public Library and National Science and Technology Week.

  43. Saturday 24 October 24, 2009 10:30 to 11:30am - How We Find Planets Around Other Stars. Free talk for kids 8-12 with National Research Council astronomer Dr. Brenda Matthews, Emily Carr Library, 3500 Blanshard,. Sponsored by the Greater Victoria Public Library and National Science and Technology Week.

  44. Oct 25, 2009 1:30pm - Music of the Spheres - Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre. Take a musical adventure through space in Music of the Spheres. Written and conducted by Music Director Tania Miller in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo�s first use of a telescope and the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Event photo gallery

  45. Nov 1, 2009 at 2:30pm & Nov 2 at 8pm - The Planets Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre - Tania Miller, conductor / Sara Buechner, piano - Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture, Stravinsky Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments, Holst The Planets. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Gustav Holst�s dramatic masterpiece, as visual artist Dr. Jos� Francisco Salgado�s video suite is projected on a giant screen while the orchestra performs. Pre-concert talk in the West lobby, 45 minutes before curtain.
  46. Nov 28, 2009 at 6:30pm - Night Sky Viewing at Cattle Point CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER (see Dec 4th event for next opportunity at this location) - 400 years ago Galileo first gazed at the first quarter moon and forever changed our view of the cosmos. To celebrate this event the Victoria Centre is hosting a public viewing event at Cattle Point. Poster (178k pdf)
  47. Nov 1-30, 2009 - Neighborhood Sidewalk Astronomy - locations and time to be decided by each volunteer. Keep watch for this event coming to your neighborhood.
  48. Dec 2, 2009 7:30pm - Galileo, Shakespeare, and Van Gogh: Creative Reactions to the End of the World - by Dr. William Harris, McMaster University - at University of Victoria, Bob Wright Centre, B150 - Poster
  49. Dec 4, 2009 6:30pm - Night Sky Viewing at Cattle Point - in conjunction with the Sea of Lights event by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Poster (178k pdf) Event photo gallery
  50. Christmas Night Sky Viewing at Butchart Gardens - Dec 5, 12, 17, 26, 2009 & Jan 7, 2010 - our volunteers had telescopes setup by the totem poles very close to the new Children's Carousel  on the Saturdays listed above. This was our last formal IYA event - family, friends and visitors saw the seasonal light displays, and the celestial displays at the same time! Event photo gallery
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Last updated: January 29, 2014

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