The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of astronomy and related sciences within the Edmonton region. It operates as a local centre of the national Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), which is a charitable organization focused on fostering interest and knowledge in astronomy across the country.

History

The Edmonton Centre of the RASC was established in 1932, marking nearly a century of continuous activity in supporting amateur and professional astronomy in Edmonton. Since its inception, the Centre has served as a hub for local astronomy enthusiasts, providing educational opportunities, public outreach, and observational activities.

Organization and Membership

The Edmonton Centre functions under the larger framework of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, adhering to its mission of advancing astronomy. Membership is open to anyone interested in astronomy, including beginners and seasoned observers. The Centre fosters a welcoming environment with various programs, volunteer opportunities, and member resources.

Activities and Programs

The Edmonton Centre organizes numerous events and initiatives, such as:

• Public lectures and presentations aimed at increasing astronomical awareness.
• Astronomy observing sessions utilizing facilities like the RASC Observatory located in Coronation Park near the TELUS World of Science Edmonton.
• Educational outreach in schools and community groups to support science education and inspire future astronomers.
• Volunteer programs that engage members in various projects and public-facing activities.
• Star parties and special viewing events aligned with astronomical occurrences.

Facilities

One key facility operated by the Edmonton Centre is the RASC Observatory, an accessible venue that enables members and the public to observe celestial events with high-quality telescopes. The observatory plays a significant role in both education and observation efforts.

Online Presence

The Edmonton Centre maintains an active online presence through its dedicated website, which provides information about upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, and resources for both members and the public interested in astronomy.

Affiliation

The Edmonton Centre is one of approximately 30 centres across Canada under the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada umbrella, which collectively support a national community of astronomy enthusiasts and professionals. The Centre’s business registration number is 119126324RR0001.

In summary, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre, serves as a cornerstone for astronomy education, outreach, and observation in the Edmonton area, contributing significantly to the culture of science and astronomy in Canada since 1932.[2][3][4][5]

[1] https://edmontonrasc.com [2] https://www.rasc.rocks/edmonton-centre [3] https://www.rasc.ca/rasc-edmonton-centre-established [4] https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/rasc-observatory/ [5] https://www.rasc.ca