Join us on Observatory Hill for an evening of observing (weather permitting), exhibits, children's tours, planetarium shows, and speakers.

The Winter Solstice

The two annual Solstices are the times when the sun stops going further and further South (Northern Winter) or North (Northern Summer) in the sky. The word solstice is derived from words meaning "sun stands still" as it stops its daily motion and appears to change direction in the sky. The curve traced out by the sun over the year is called the analemma, and the sun is at its furthest reach south at the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It's associated also with short days, although the Solstice is not actually the shortest day of the year. Of course in the Southern Hemisphere the point where the sun is furthest to the south is the height of summer!

Our December Star Party has an earlier start

Activities begin at 6pm and end at 9pm.

Should Pluto be considered a planet again? The world has been in debate since the controversial decision in 2006. Joining this debate we have Alexander Cowen, the FDAO's part time employee who has a passion for all things astronomy. On the other side of the debate we have Ruhee Janmohamed who is graduate from the University of Victoria with a degree in Astrophysics. While we may not solve this debate in one evening, we will all be winners as we all learn a little bit more about this "Dwarf" Planet.

Timed Activities:

• Children's Program: 6:00pm to 6:20 pm Auditorium
• Adult Short Dome Tour: 6pm to 6:20 pm Plaskett Dome
• Children's Dome Tour: 6:30pm to 7:00 pm Plaskett Dome
• Guest Presentations: 6:30pm to 9pm: Is Pluto a Planet? A lively debate about Pluto's planet status with Alexander Cowan and Ruhee Janmohamed Auditorium
• 7:00pm to 7:50 pm Full Dome Tour: Plaskett Dome
• 8:00 to 8:50 pm Plaskett Dome Dome Tour / Astronomical Observations (Telescope open, weather permitting)

Ongoing Activities (6:00 to 8:40 pm)

• The Hill closes at 9pm. RASC Telescopes in the Parking Lot and on the Deck (weather permitting)
• The 16" Telescope beside the CU (weather permitting)
• Ask an Astronomer - (Lobby/Deck)
• RASC Welcome Table -(Lobby)
• Children's Craft Table- (Lobby)
• Gift Shop will be open for all your holiday shopping! Hot, Cold Drinks, and seasonal treats available for purchase Planetarium - Unhosted Films - Seating limited

Please Note

Masks are available at the front door or at the main desk if desired. Masks are a personal choice for most indoor public spaces these days, and we respect our visitors' choices. But ... people with any symptoms of illness should take measures to prevent spreading illness to others. Please stay home if you are sick, and in consideration for others, please release your tickets. Please email info@centreoftheuniverse.org with your name and quantity to release tickets.

Fun fact: On the winter solstice, if you stand outside at noon and look at your shadow, it will be the longest shadow you cast the entire year.