Link to YouTube livestream
This talk is part of the September 11th Star Party
Friends from the Mid-Island: Nanaimo Astronomy Society
The Nanaimo Astronomy Society (NAS) was formed in 2004 by astronomy enthusiasts who had met informally as the Island Stargazers for several years. The original idea of having low membership fees so the group would be accessible to as many people as possible continues today.
In 2019, NAS hosted the Island’s first AstroFest, bringing together four astronomy groups and two astronomy businesses. Friends and connections were made at this gathering of the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Royal Astronomical Society Victoria Centre, Cowichan Valley Starfinders; Island Stars Observatory and Quarky Science.
The 80+ members of NAS have basic to advanced knowledge of observing, astronomy and related sciences, astrophotography, and space exploration.
When pandemic guidelines permit, we look forward to again offering free sidewalk astronomy events to the public, and interactive presentations to schools and community groups.
Our very popular public in-person monthly meetings featuring world-class speakers in astronomy, related sciences, and space exploration temporarily moved online for members-only in March 2020.
We welcome all who share our passion for these pursuits through the scientific method.
Janeane MacGillivray
Director-at-Large, Nanaimo Astronomy Society
Janeane MacGillivray
Director-at-Large, Nanaimo Astronomy Society
Janeane’s “astronomy light bulb” went on at the 2009 International Year of Astronomy Star party co-hosted by RASC Victoria and the Cowichan Valley Starfinders. The fellowship among amateurs and collaboration between amateurs and professionals continues to appeal.
She volunteered as an assistant to astronomy educators in K-12 classrooms four different times during the week-long Journey Through the Universe Astronomy Outreach and Education Program on Hawai’i Island.
Drawn to multi-disciplinary endeavours, since 2017 she has revelled in the role of speaker recruiter for NAS. By offering presentations on a wide a variety of astronomy topics, and with outstanding press coverage by Nanaimo News Bulletin reporter Chris Bush, she is proud Nanaimo Astronomy Society is contributing to the public understanding of science.
Tony Puerzer
Vice-President, Nanaimo Astronomy Society
Tony Puerzer
Vice-President, Nanaimo Astronomy Society
Tony is a full-time professional photographer and part-time amateur astronomer.
His lifelong interest in astronomy outreach and education included five years as a lecturer at the HR MacMillan Planetarium in Vancouver.
From 2016 to 2019 he authored the popular Capturing The Universe column for SkyNews Magazine published by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
He is currently contributing articles for the ongoing First Exposure column in Sky & Telescope magazine.
