OAFs is a very informal group with no official meetings, no office, no address, and no phone. How to contact us:
- The best way to communicate with us is to come, in person, to one of our star parties or sidewalk astronomy events.
- Electronically, we are primarily a group of users of a io Group. The best way to communicate with us electronically is to join that group (you will need an io account).
- Follow us on Twitter, and send us comments there to @ottawaastronomy.
- To make general comments about events you have attended, you can leave comments on the appropriate blog posts on this web page.
- To make technical contact regarding our web site, write to webmaster@oafs.ca.
Solar Eclipse
Monday, August 21, starting at 1pm
Ferguson Forest Centre
275 County Rd 44, Kemptville
The Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre are delighted to be hosting an event at the Ferguson Forest Centre arboretum on Monday, August 21st to celebrate the year’s most exciting celestial event – a total eclipse of the sun! The last total eclipse visible in parts of North America was in 1979, and the last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast was 99 years ago. This time, in the North Grenville area, we will see a partial eclipse with more than half of the sun covered by the moon – still a spectacular sight!
If you miss this one, you’ll have to wait until 2024 for the next total solar eclipse visible in this area.
Starting at 1.00pm on August 21, Steve Wendt and James Quinn, members of the North Gower Science Club, will be onsite to explain what’s happening, and answer questions. They will have at least one telescope, several pairs of special safety glasses with which to directly observe the moon crossing between the earth and the sun, and a pin-hole camera, which is another way to safely view the eclipse.
The actual eclipse starts at 1.18pm – the eclipse maximum is at 2.35pm (61% of the sun will be covered by the moon at this time) – the eclipse ends at 3.49pm.
Use your tablet/phone to log onto one of the many astrological websites that will be live-streaming from areas in the United States where there will be a complete eclipse.
Bring your lawn-chairs or blanket to sit on, and some snacks or a picnic lunch, and enjoy this rare event at the Ferguson Forest Center. Look for the “Friends Event” signs directing you to the arboretum and parking area.
Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre events are open to the public and free of charge.
I am wondering about the event being held at the Carp library tonight. I see where it said you have to register. So I called the library and they said I couldn’t register for the event because I am not a member and do not live in Ottawa. It says free to all to attend so I am a bit confused. We would like to attend could you please let me know as soon as possible because we are in the Ottawa valley and it would take us a bit to get there.
The outdoor astronomy event (“Star Party”) is free to attend and no registration is required. It starts at dusk. There is an event called “meet your telescope” at the library at 3:15, where astronomers will help new telescope owners assemble and get to know their gear. That is a Library event and registration is required for it.
Hi,
I am looking for someone to coach me at taking a photograph of the upcoming conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. I don’t know if this is possible with my gear, and my level of experience (some, but not proficient). Gear is a Canon 5d mark IV and a vixen Polarie with the sighting scope, tripod and suitable three axis mount.
I have a 300mm Canon lense, but heretofore have only done wide angle star shots.
Plus, I don’t know where to go to find dark skies! I live in Gatineau, and short of driving to Maniwaki I don’t have a clue. There is so much light here that even at Parc du la Gatineau there is heavy light for time exposures.
I have really warm gear so am able to stay out for a bit in the winter, which helps.
Any thoughts or comments?
Happy New year !!!
I have a Celestron SE for sale with lenses. Does anyone know someone out there who is looking for such a telescope