Astronomers rely on dark skies to see dim stars, galaxies and nebulae. Glare from neighbours' lights can prevent our eyes from adapting to the dark. But light from many street lamps is even worse. The upward light reflects off the air, making the sky glow.

Many amateur astronomers like to work with "Observing Lists" to help guide their night-time observing sessions. From lists for beginners to lists of hard-to-find objects, there are lists for everyone.

Astronomy is a great subject for students and youth groups to explore. Little to no equipment is necessary, and there are lots of resources available on this website and all over the internet. Few people ever forget the first time they saw Saturn or the moon through a scope.

Amateur astronomers love to get together to learn more about astronomy. There are over a hundred clubs and RASC chapters (called "centres") scattered across Canada. Some meet in small groups in church basements or private homes; others meet in university lecture halls or Science Centres.

Meteor Showers

Most meteors are just sand grain-sized objects hitting the atmosphere. Sometimes a big one the size of a pebble causes a chorus of "ah"s at a star party - the brilliant flash is quite stunning. Normally, when the skies are dark, we can see perhaps five sporadic meteors per hour.