Thank you for joining us as we Explored the Universe together!
This program is now over, but can be rewatched anytime if you'd like to go over some Summer/Fall observing targets. You can find the sessions below. Stay tuned for new online observing programs coming soon!
What do I need?
Just a pair of binoculars and a notebook! Ones with 7x or more magnification are best, but you can see most objects in any binoculars.
Program Schedule
Each session will cover the proceeding 2 weeks of observing targets, with suggested observing dates to be able to see all the targets we cover.
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Date
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Topic
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June 25th
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Get Familiar With the Basics
Join us as we launch our new series! In our first session we will introduce the Explore the Universe program and discuss our very first targets. We'll also go over a few observing tips to help you get familiar with navigating around the night sky and using your binoculars.
Our first targets will be mostly Moon targets and constellations that you may even already be able to find. Highlights include Mare Tranquilitatis on the Moon (where Apollo 11 landed) and a double star in the Big Dipper's handle.
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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July 9th
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Introduction to DSOs
We're dialling up the challenge this week! We're going to introduce you to the wonderful world of Deep Sky Objects. We'll show you a few more tricks for navigating and finding constellations, but our main focus will be on some easy-to-spot clusters of stars, and the Lagoon Nebula!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
Set up Stellarium to show you Comet NEOWISE
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July 23rd
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Summer Triangle
This week we're looking for the constellations that make up the Summer Triangle, an easy-to-find asterism in our night sky. We'll also look at a few more objects on the Moon, and if you're feeling adventurous you can try to spot Jupiter and Saturn right next to the Moon too.
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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August 6th
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Perseids and Deep Sky Objects
It's the Perseids Meteor Shower! This week we will be passing through a cloud of dust left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle, which means we'll have the chance to see shooting stars.
We have lots of Deep Sky Objects on the list for this week, which will be perfect targets to take a look for while you're out watching the meteor shower.
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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August 20th
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Lunar Gems
This week we are catching the Moon early in its cycle, which means we have the opportunity to spot quite a few craters. We'll be seeking out the diamond ring crater this week!
Just before our next session, the Moon will be full, so we also have some more maria to show you this week.
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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September 3rd
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Double Stars
Mars and the Moon are getting close this week! Once you spot those in the next couple days, we'll be on the hunt for a little bit of everything, and a lot of double stars. We're going to focus on the particular challenge that double stars can present and give you tips for figuring out what you're looking at when you look for them!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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September 17th
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Autumn Equinox
Happy Fall Equinox! We'll spend this session talking a bit about what equinoxes and solstices actually are, and will then jump into some lunar targets. Later in the week we will see another Jupiter-Saturn-Moon conjunction too, so get ready to check it out!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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October 1st
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Mars and the Planets
It's a great week for some planetary observing! Mars is at opposition, which means it'll be big and bright and beautiful as we come between it and the Sun. This only happens about once every two years, so seize the day and let's look at Mars!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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October 15th
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Zodiacal Light
We're catching a few last targets and going over some previous ones that you may have missed from earlier in this series. We're going to do our best to see the Zodiacal Light this week too. You need a very specific set of conditions to be able to see it, which makes it one of the most challenging targets on the list!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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October 29th
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Winter Observing
As we wrap up our series, we'll go over a few easy winter targets to get you started on your next season of observing. Join us to take a look at rising winter favourites such as Orion, Taurus, the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula. We will also take lots of time for questions in this session before sending you off on your next observing adventure!
This Session's Targets and How to Find Them
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Helpful links
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Topic
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Links
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Discord Server
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Join our Explore the Universe Discord chat! We'll be using the space to share observations, experiences, answer questions, and all sorts of other stuff. |
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Calendar
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See our Google Calendar listing each session's targets and individual observing nights. Entries appear from June through November 2020. |
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Workbooks
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Print-at-home Explore The Universe Workbook PDF
50 Things to See with a Telescope: Activity Workbook on Amazon.ca
RASC-specific workbook coming shortly, stay tuned!
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Program tools
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Explore the Universe main page
Explore the Universe Program Guide (French)
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Helpful Books
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Helpful Videos and Articles
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Become a Better Observer: Sketch!
Tips for Beginning (and Not-So-Beginning) Astronomers
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Apps and Websites
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Simon J Astronomy's List of ALL Explore the Universe targets and extra info you may be curious about!
Spot the Station - ISS Sightings for your region
Heaven's Above - make sure to set your location in the top right!
Robert Conrad's list of introductory astronomy resources! (off-line)
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