The Calgary Centre of the RASC

Inspiring Interest and Knowledge of Astronomy Since 1958

Getting Started

Amateur Astronomy Basics

Membership Benefits

Why Join the RASC?

Astronomy Equipment

Types of Telescopes

About Us

A National Society

Latest News & Events

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Our Mission

The RASC mandate is to inspire curiosity and enhance the understanding of the Universe, through public outreach, education, and support for astronomical research. We achieve this by sharing our knowledge and experience with others. The RASC also publishes journals, books, and other material about astronomy and the work of the Society.

RASC Centres host free astronomy activities for the public and volunteers willingly share their experience and knowledge with others, especially newcomers.

Join as a member to receive additional benefits, including our Observer’s Handbook, Journal, and invitations to events. The RASC wants everyone to enjoy astronomy – please contact us to find out what’s offered in your community!

Learn more about us and our goals.

Donate for a great cause

Telescope For Rent

Another benefit of membership! Never miss what’s beyond Earth with the wide variety of scopes that we have available for rent. View the list of available instruments and contact us. We will be happy to help you select the right one for you.

Social Committee

Events for all ages coming soon! We all love stargazing, but we also love to get to know each other and participate in other astronomy-related activities! We need your enthusiasm! Currently a 3 person team, but we’re looking for more volunteers and ideas! If you’re interested in participating on this committee, please send an email to our Chair: calgaryrascsocialcommittee@outlook.com

Online Newsletter

Our monthly online StarSeeker newsletter will keep you up to date about current news and upcoming events at the Calgary Centre, as well as what’s going on in the field of astronomy.

Our Members' Astroimaging Gallery

Have a look at the spectacular images of astronomical objects taken by some of our talented Calgary Centre members. Some of these images were captured from their own backyards. Click below to see the entire gallery.

Contact us to submit your own images!

Click Here

Our Latest YouTube Video

The Calgary Centre’s YouTube channel is dedicated to furthering knowledge of astronomy by providing fun, inspiring and informative content. Featuring recent talks given by experts in the field of professional astronomy, beautiful time-lapse nightscape videos of aurorae and noctilucent clouds, light pollution information and much more, this channel has something for everyone!

Observing Resources

Dark Sky Calendar

Night Sky Planner

Observing Tonight

Moon Phase

Weather

Weather Cams

Observing Articles

Don Hladiuk’s Sky Highlights

Monthly Sky Charts

Wilson Coulee Observatory

The Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada owns and operates a private observatory for the use of Centre members. The Wilson Coulee Observatory (or “WCO”) is located about 15 minutes south of the city of Calgary and is easily accessible by road.

The RASC Calgary Centre can arrange for guided tours of this facility for schools, Scouts, Guides and other public and private organizations.

Although we do not have regularly scheduled “open house” dates or “tour dates”, we will attempt to accommodate group requests for specific dates. Groups (of about 8-30 people) must arrange their own transportation to and from the observatory.

Learn more here.