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THE CENTRE OF

THE UNIVERSE

at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

Welcome to
the centre of the universE!

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory under a starry sky

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is a designated National Historical Site. The 106-year old Plaskett Telescope was the largest in the world when it opened. It is still used nightly for scientific research. Tour the telescope and learn the history of this amazing machine that mapped the Milky Way Galaxy.

The Centre of the Universe offers the unique experience of visiting the historic Plaskett telescope. We also have our exhibit gallery, complete with planetarium showing the stars and full dome movies, and virtual reality experiences.

We are the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. Find out about our organization and mission. We are a Charitable Organization based in Victoria, B.C. dedicated to promoting public science outreach.

Please contribute! All proceeds go directly to supporting our scientific outreach efforts in Victoria. They will be used to improve the Centre of the Universe building, update current exhibits, and ensure that we have the necessary and appropriate equipment for effective science communication.

Learn About Us
Join Our Community
Donate
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take a virtual tour

Events and Star Parties

About Star Parties
See more events here
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A person interacting with a science exhibit about visible light and the spectrum at a museum. The display includes information on ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light, with interactive buttons and a screen. Educational texts and images of telescopes are visible on the panels.
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Homepage drone video courtesy of Matt Watson and Joe Carr 2018