The RASC's transit of Venus website now features the web premier of a piece of new/old transit of Venus (ToV) music. Ever wondered where all the 17th-18th century ToV themed music is? There's some evidence that it might have been part of the casual improvisatory musical culture of the time. Wonder what that would sound like? The RASC Archivist has created an example based on the bass pattern of a dance from John Blow's Venus and Adonis (1683).

Celebrate Astronomy Day!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Toronto, Canada (April 26, 2012) – Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and its 29 local RASC Centres will celebrate Astronomy Day this Saturday, April 28, 2012. Be on the lookout for telescopes and astronomers to pop up unexpectedly on street corners, in shopping malls and other public places, ready and eager to bring the universe down to Earth for everyone!

Buy, sell or trade all things astronomy? An honored speaker and a great meal! Meet astronomers from all over. Get your tickets now for the Canadian Astronomy Swap Meet and Banquet at http://www.astrocasm.com before they are all gone.  June 9th, 2012 in Oakville, ON.  Hamilton Centre is bringing in Terrence Dickinson, and hosting this event, open to everyone.  Rent a table space and bring your astro-goodies that you want to sell, or come and browse commercial and individual sellers. Door prizes and friendship await you.

Teaching Tools In The Sky

It is comforting to know that some people other than backyard astronomers still take the time to look up on a clear night and ponder many questions. After all, the twinkling sky was nightly entertainment for many early civilizations. But even at this stage of technology where satellite TV with its bazillion channels, smart phones, iPads and the internet, observing those distant points of lights high above is not a thing of the past.