Congratulations to our own Maureen Nadin

Maureen’s entry in the IYA competitive writing contest called Canada and the Stars placed 2nd overall in the over 18 category.  Her entry was entitled ” The Square Kilometer Array: Scanning the Skies for Life; where it began, where else it exists and what it all means.”  We look forward to reading the work in a future issue of The Journal.

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Welcome to the website of the Thunder Bay Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.  Our astronomy club is in its 21st year and is one of 29 Centres located across Canada from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia.  Currently we have approximately 50 members of various ages with a wide range of interests and expertise.

Our purpose is to promote the advancement of astronomy and allied sciences through public awareness and education.  We are open to anyone who has an interest in astronomy.  We wish to introduce people to this worthwhile and fulfilling hobby as well as its opportunities for scientific pursuits.

We hold monthly meetings at Confederation College on the second Tuesday of each month excluding July and August.  The general meetings include topics such as what to see in the night skies this month, operation and using binoculars and telescopes, latest news in astronomy, and many other presentations.  General meetings are open to the public.  You are welcome to attend and see what we are all about.

In addition, we conduct many events such as public and member observing sessions, group presentations and displays for a wide variety of organizations.  During the summer, star parties are held at several provincial parks.  At certain times the club is involved with special projects such as telescope making and workshops.

Membership is open to all novice and experienced sky gazers.  You do not need to own a telescope or binoculars.  Thunder Bay Centre members have access to and borrowing privileges from a library of astronomy books, magazines and other materials including telescopes.  Membership benefits also include our monthly newsletter “The Northern Sky”, the Canadian astronomy magazine “SkyNews”, the Astronomical Society’s “Journal”, and the indispensable “Observer’s Handbook”.

Some future plans include the design, building and operation of a club observatory to be used by the Centre members to complete the various Observing Certificates offered by the Thunder Bay Centre and the National Office.

Bob McLean, President