Astronomy Programs for all Ages: Alive and Kicking at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

Michel Labrecque, Education Officer, CSTM

The public astronomy programming at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa has its roots in the opening of the Dominion Observatory in 1905 and a key element in its efforts to make the 15 inch refractor accessible to the citizens of Ottawa including politicians.   That year also marked the early days of the Ottawa Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and its long links to the Observatory and, in recent years, to the Museum and its’ Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory.

Complementing professional research conducted at the Dominion, the 15 inch refracting telescope also provided a public education function.  Saturday evening stargazing in the countryside observatory was reserved for the public.  When founded, the observatory was on the outskirts of Ottawa. Throughout the years and two world wars, tens of thousands of visitors trekked to the observatory and enjoyed the wonders of the night sky through this prized instrument.  As a 13 year old looking through the telescope for the first time, Rob Dick (now teaching astronomy at Carleton University), commented, “Where else could you look through such a large professional telescope and see the planets so clearly! -- the answer of course, no-where but the Dominion Observatory”. Technological improvements came in leaps and bounds, and soon, Canadian professional astronomers had access to larger telescopes.   When the Federal Government transferred all astronomy activities to the National Research Council of Canada in 1970, public education became the only function of the Dominion Observatory.  Under the stewardship of the late Mary Grey, Curator of Physical Sciences, the National Museum of Science and Technology acquired the Warner and Swassey instrument and assumed the support of public programming at the Dominion until the instrument was moved to the Museum in 1974. Astronomy programming in Ottawa has never been more active with clubs operating at the high school level and groups operating in the region. The Ottawa Centre of the RASC continues with monthly meetings at the Museum and supports our major public events like Astronomy Day while the Ottawa Valley Astronomy and Observers Group conducts regular observing sessions in the region.

A group of young students eager to peer through the 15" refractor.

The Museum has offered on-site astronomy programs to all ages and in both French and English for over 30 years.  The programs include daytime sessions for school classes, summer day camps and, of course, evening observing sessions.  Over the years, many young eyes have marvelled at the night sky through the 15” and other smaller instruments and youngsters continue to gaze at the stars - some have subsequently even pursued careers in astronomy.  We regularly host the families of politicians and the diplomatic core as participants in these programs thereby contributing to one of the objectives of the Long Range Plan for Canadian astronomy.

The type and range of programs has increased and the number of participants has steadily increased -- today schools visit the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory, families take part in the Family Astronomy and Space Workshops (a series of hands-on programs which features telescope observing and a new take-home project each month), and guest speakers frequently drop by for evening lectures.  Most recently  the director of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope offered a great presentation on that facility and this Fall we will feature “The Future of Spaceflight: Why is the Adventure Crucial to Canada?” (November 25).  Highlights from our Discover the Universe programs include “The Moon: Our Closest Neighbour” (September 29), “Ancient Sky Watchers: Egyptians” (October 20), “The Right Telescope for the Budding Astronomer” (November 17).  Astronomy courses are also popular including “Backyard Astronomy - Level I” and “Photographing the Night Sky with Your Digital Camera”.  Families can take part in “Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy” - a three week mini course.  For those who just want to look through a very cool telescope, we bring “Stargazing” - a free scheduled program offered weather permitting.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum continues the long tradition of public astronomy programs as one of our core efforts to improve scientific literacy. The conservation work completed on the 15 inch telescope -- a working artefact and part of our technological heritage, the inauguration of the first Museum programs in January 1975, the dedication of the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory in 1989 guarantee continued interest and growth in astronomy today.  There are very few institutions with the level of commitment to public education in astronomy in Canada.  With the assistance of the RASC, Ottawa Centre we consider our astronomy programs to be one of the Museum’s core contributions and one of the activities that differentiates us from the other national museums.  When we move into new facilities in a few years, our astronomy programs will continue to be the focus of our scientific education mandate.  Clear skies!