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Members of Note

Honorary President

Dr. James (Jim) Hesser (2009-2013)

The Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at the Hertzberg Institute of Astrophysics in Victoria, BC. Jim led the Canadian team of amateur and professional astronomers and educators that made International Year of Astronomy so successful. Additional information about Dr. Hesser is available at his HIA Web site.

Honorary Members

For more than a century The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has recognized the work of outstanding astronomers by appointing them as Honorary Members of the Society. By their acceptance of these appointments these distinguished individuals honour the Society more than we can honour them. There may be no more than 15 Honorary Members, and the appointments are for life. Honorary Members receive Society publications, but cannot vote or hold office. The Society hopes that its Honorary Members can occasionally attend meetings of the Society and contribute to the Journal. Indeed many of them have done so.

Members of the Order of Canada

The Order of Canada was established in Canada's Centennial Year, 1967, and is the centrepiece of Canada's system of honours and recognizes excellence and achievement in all sectors of Canadian Society. There are three levels as follows:

  • Companion (Post-nominal: C.C.) - Recognizes: a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large
  • Officer (Post-nominal: O.C.) - Recognizes: a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large
  • Member (Post-nominal: C.M.) - Recognizes: a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity

Members of the Society who are appointed to the Order of Canada for their contributions to astronomy bring honour to the Society and all of our members across the country.