Bootes The Herdsman

Several RASC Centres are providing opportunities for the public to observe the rare transit of Mercury on Monday May 9, 2016.

Mercury will take over seven hours to move across the face of the Sun. The planet will appear as a small black dot silhouetted on the Sun''s face. 

 

Transit of Mercury – Monday May 9, 2016

Planned Public Observing Sites

Edmonton Centre

It seems appropriate on this May the Fourth, to welcome the Yukon Astronomical Society into the fold of the RASC. Our Board voted yesterday to approve their application to join us as the RASC Yukon Centre.
Let's give a big "Welcome" to our 29th Centre!

https://yukonastronomicalsociety.com

Many of you have never attended a National GA. The assembly of RASC members from across Canada will take place in London from May 19 to the 23rd. If you love astronomy the way I do, then attending one of these conferences is a absolute mandatory bucket list item. Plus it's only $20 a day to attend, and that price includes Astrocats if you attend on the Saturday or Sunday.

To all Members, regarding the Board of Directors election, the campaign period has ended. As noted previously, there are 3 Director's positions open for election with 4 Candidates standing for election.

Karen Finstad, our dedicated and diligent Secretary, having completed 2 years of her 3 year term, has advised that due to urgent family matters, she cannot complete her term and will be stepping down as of the 2016 General Assembly.

Gemini Twins

Dr. Jim Hesser, long-time RASC member and past Honorary President, has been awarded the National Research Council's 2015 W.G. Schneider Medal for his inspiring decades-long contribution to the pursuit of excellence in Canadian government astronomy, both as a productive researcher, and as the Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory for nearly three decades (1986-2014). The award also recognizes Jim’s committed advocacy of astronomy as a integral part of our broader cultural life, both here and abroad.

The Society is moving! But, not far. Our new office entrance is about 15 metres away from the previous door. Same address, and a much larger space. There is a much more spacious area for the archives and library, plus ample room for the boardroom table. It is a great improvement.