BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Nanaimo Astronomy - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Nanaimo Astronomy X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Nanaimo Astronomy REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20220313T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20221106T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260422T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260422T220000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083611 CREATED:20260422T025649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T025649Z UID:2510-1776889800-1776895200@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Pipers Lagoon Public viewing - Jupiter/Moon DESCRIPTION:Observing session at Pipers Lagoon Wed night \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext weekend is Astronomy Day on Saturday 25th. We’re celebrating with a public viewing session this coming Wednesday night! Should have great views of the Moon and Jupiter. \nWe’ll have a few telescopes set up at our ‘Urban Star Park’ at Pipers Lagoon Pk. They are on the ridge behind the trees near the parking lot\, looking over to Gabriola Island. \nWhen : Wednesday 22nd April. 8.30-10pm. \nWhere : Pipers Lagoon. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/pipers-lagoon-public-viewing-jupiter-moon/ LOCATION:pipers Lagoon\, 3600 Place Rd\,\, Nanaimo\, V9T 5T7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260326T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260326T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083611 CREATED:20260310T183108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T035127Z UID:2466-1774551600-1774558800@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Space Rocks! Studying the Icy Building Blocks in our Outer Solar System DESCRIPTION:Presentation title:  Space Rocks! Studying the Icy Building Blocks in our Outer Solar System \nPresentation Brief: Understanding the origin of our solar system involves studying its early formation and evolution. Unfortunately\, we cannot look back through time to witness the actual formation. Instead\, we observe its modern-day features to infer the conditions of its birth. For example\, the number of craters on the moon reveals the history of impacts\, while the compositions of asteroids inform us about their thermal histories. In the outer solar system\, the orbits and colours of icy rocks\, specifically Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs)\, help trace the history and migration patterns of the giant planets. \nIn this talk\, I will explore the formation and dynamics of planets\, and how we study their surface compositions. We’ll discuss the significance of studying these very distant icy rocks\, and how by combining observational data with dynamical models we can reconstruct the early layout of the Kuiper Belt. This approach offers a glimpse into a time we cannot directly observe\, deepening our understanding of our cosmic origins and the dynamic processes that have shaped our solar system. In addition\, we will discuss how seemingly simple things (like the angles we make our observations from) can influence our interpretation of TNO surface compositions. \nBio: Dr. Laura Buchanan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Victoria. She completed her PhD in astrophysics in 2023 at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. She studies the compositions and origins small bodies in the outer solar system known as Trans-Neptunian Objects. \nSecondary Presentation: Local executive member\, Dr. Bill Weller will be giving a short presentation: Variable Stars – Citizen Science. \n\n \nQR Code for meeting information URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/space-rocks-studying-the-icy-building-blocks-in-our-outer-solar-system/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260226T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260226T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083611 CREATED:20260209T042851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T052510Z UID:2455-1772132400-1772139600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:The International Space Station: The Good\, The Bad\, and the Ugly DESCRIPTION:The International Space Station was begun in 1998 and has been operational for 25 years. So far\, it has hosted almost 300 visitors. We know its up there. We can see it pass over from time to time. But what is really going on up there\, and what is life like in its confined environment? We will take an entertaining and informative look at the good\, the bad\, and the ugly of the International Space Station and touch on two other space stations. \nDr. David Prud’homme is a former president of the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada\, with an avid interest in astronomy and the history of space exploration. David has been a volunteer instructor with Elder College since 2011\, offering two courses – “Introduction to the Night Skies” and “Space Race: Quest for the Moon.” He enjoys researching space flight\, from the earliest manned missions to long-term duration stays on space stations. \nFollow Up Presentation : Quick Introduction to Stacking and Editing Raw Astrophotography Files. \nAs an added bonus to our well received presentations last month about astrophotography\, during the break\, Chris Boar will give a quick overview of his astrophotography capture & editing workflow. He will take the mystery out of taking raw ‘FITS’ files and calibration frames. These are combined and edited to a final image in his preferred program of choice\, Astropixelprocessor. He will also have his Astrophotography rig on display.  The compact\, computerized telescopes shown at last months presentations\, are becoming very popular and we are fortunate to have local talent showcase the technology behind it. \nThis will be an evening to remember – educational\, entertaining and promises details you never thought about\, regarding the ISS! URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/the-international-space-station-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260129T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083611 CREATED:20260103T211236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T175724Z UID:2424-1769713200-1769720400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Jan 29th - Introduction to Astrophotography DESCRIPTION:Introduction to Astrophotography & Smart Telescopes\nOur meetings are free for members. The public can attend once for free\, and are then encouraged to join our society. \nOur first meeting of 2026\, which will be in person. We have 2 presentations tonight for you. Introduction to Astrophotography\, along with an Introduction to ‘Smart Telescopes’. \nWhen : Thursday\, 29th January 7pm. \nLocation : Beban Park Social Centre Rooms 2/3 \nPlease arrive early and be seated to ensure we can start promptly at 7 pm. \nMain Presentation\nIntroduction to Astrophotography by member Tony Puerzer\n(Note : VP Chris Boar was due to co-present with Tony\, but is unable to attend the meeting. He will be presenting at the Feb meeting\, covering processing astrophotography images. \nSummary: \nBack by popular demand Tony will be giving their presentation on how to start and progress in Astrophotography. Warning\, could get very expensive! Starting with a simple camera on a tripod\, progressing to dedicated astrophotography rigs. \nBio: Tony is a retired professional photographer\, and has a long history with the club being an ex-VP of the society. Tony’s lifelong interest in astronomy outreach and education included five years as a lecturer at the HR MacMillan Planetarium in Vancouver\, and has written several articles for Skynews and Sky & Telescope magazine. \n \nThe Horsehead Nebula. Photographed by Chris Boar from his Nanaimo back yard. \nAfter the break we have a related presentation by member Rick Ulrich\, looking at the latest technology to make astronomy and astrophotography easier\, ‘Smart Telescopes’. \nPresentation : An Introduction to a Smart Telescope. The ZWO Seestar S50.\n \nSummary : \nWe have a poor viewing site from our residence with significant light pollution.  And I wasn’t prepared to invest significant money in a new telescope since I like to sleep too much — which makes me a poor observer.  So I sold my telescope to a Club Member and wondered what my next adventure would be.  It turned out to be the ZWO Seestar S50 ‘smart telescope’ which is a revolution to observe deep sky objects — galaxies\, nebula\, etc. — at an affordable cost.  It is a fully integrated smart telescope designed primarily for digital astronomical imaging rather than traditional visual astronomy. \nI will cover the basics of how the Seestar S50 works & why it is such a dramatic step forward for amateur astrophotography of deep sky objects.  It was designed to reduce barriers\, shorten setup time and deliver reliable results with minimal friction with the user. \nBio : \nI am a retired forensic scientist who now has time to dabble in astronomy.  My interests include observing the sky and trying to keep up with cosmology\, the study of the origin of the universe.  I initially purchased a Celestron  Nexstar 6SE to start my observing journey in 2013 which was a great telescope to start with.  I learned the “ups and downs” of observing with many special occurrences.  The highlight was in 2017 with the sun eclipse here in Ladysmith.  In partnership with my wife Mary we took images of the sun for 5 hours every 20 minutes with Mary’s DSLR attached as the ‘eyepiece’ and then Mary produced a collage of 16 images showing the progression of the 85% eclipse from our backyard. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/jan-29th-introduction-to-astrophotography/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20251128T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20251128T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083611 CREATED:20251106T220845Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T220940Z UID:2413-1764356400-1764363600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Nov Meeting : Back to Basics - Introduction to Telescopes and the night sky DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are free for paid members. \nMembers of the public can attend once for free and are then encouraged to join. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Back to Basics. Introduction to telescopes and the night sky\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n First up. Please note this meeting is one day later than our normal monthtly slot. We are meeting on Friday 28th. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Member Fraser Lee showing his home made Dobsonian Telescope \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thanks to those who took part in last month’s meet n’ greet and providing feedback. There was overwhelming concensus on wanting to learn the basics.  \nSo just in time for Christmas! We’ll be learning about the different types of telescopes and mounts with hands on examples. \nIf you have questions about your own telescope feel free to bring it and we’ll do our best to help you. \nAfter the break Emeritus member Dr Bill Weller will be giving a presentation on how to navigate the night sky. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/2413/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20251023T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20251023T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250929T182854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251011T161924Z UID:2377-1761246000-1761253200@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Oct Meeting : Beyond the Kuiper Belt + Member meet n' greet DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are free for paid members. \nMembers of the public can attend once for free and are then encouraged to join. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Beyond the Kuiper Belt + Member meet n' greet\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are very pleased to have UVic PhD student Lowell Peltier presenting in person. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 'Exploring Unknown Populations in the Distant Solar System'\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brief : \nThe Kuiper Belt is a group of small objects in space beyond Neptune. It suddenly ends at a point about 45 times the distance from Earth to the Sun. We don’t know why the Kuiper Belt ends so abruptly or why it ends at all. Other stars have belts that go much farther out. Why doesn’t ours? \nPerhaps there is another belt of material even farther from the Sun that we haven’t discovered yet. In my presentation\, I will talk about the possibility of a distant\, undiscovered belt of material orbiting beyond 70 times the distance from the Earth to the Sun. \nBio: \nLowell Peltier is a current PhD student at the University of Victoria. Lowell was born and raised in Regina\, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Regina for two degrees\, a BSc in Physics and an MSc in Physics/Astronomy\, studying Vulcanoids (a theoretical population of asteroids orbiting very close to the sun). Lowell is now in Victoria studying the extreme opposite end of the Solar System\, the Trans-Neptunian Region and the cold icy bodies found at extreme solar distances\, while working toward his PhD. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Member meet n’ greet roundtable \nAfter the main presentation we will be hosting a casual ’round table’ chat meet n’ greet for members\, new and existing. \nIf you’re a new member please come and say hello! \nWe did this last year and found it very useful\, not only for members to have a chance to interact\, but also to get feedback from our members on the society. We’ll also hand out a questionnaire that was passed out at the AGM to collect further feedback from members. \nCoffee and cookies will be available. Remember to bring your own mug for coffee! \nBoard members will be there to set up shortly after 6 if you’d like to come and help. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/oct-meeting-exploring-unknown-populations-in-the-distant-solar-system/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250925T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250925T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250702T232652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T042552Z UID:2360-1758826800-1758834000@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Sept meeting - CHIME & Fast Radio Bursts + AGM DESCRIPTION:A busy September meeting. First up is our monthly presentation followed by our AGM. Members of the public can attend our meetings once at no costs and are then encouraged to join. \nPaid members have received AGM details via email. Our AGM will be at 8pm. \nWe are very pleased to have Dr Amanda M. Cook from McGill University present remotely to us via ZOOM. \nPresentation : ‘Uncovering the Cosmic Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts with CHIME’ \nBrief :- \nFast radio bursts (FRB) are millisecond duration radio signals coming from galaxies beyond our own. Astronomers do not currently know what is producing them. In this talk\, I’ll introduce the history of FRBs and how the Penticton-based Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) became the number one FRB discovery machine\, finding ten times more FRB sources than all other telescopes combined. I’ll discuss what we learned from 5000 FRBs: the rare gems we’ve found and from the population as a whole. I’ll conclude by motivating the precision-localization era of FRBs we are now entering and present the first result from our newly commissioned CHIME ‘Outrigger’ array. \n\n\nMy bio: \n\nI am a Banting postdoctoral fellow in Astrophysics at McGill University and the University of Amsterdam. I am also a member of the CHIME/FRB Collaboration. My research interests include fast radio bursts\, high-energy follow up\, and circumgalactic media\, particularly in the context of astrostatistics. I also currently hold the record for most FRB sources discovered during a PhD. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/sept-meeting-agm/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250626T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250626T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250611T044909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T044926Z UID:2354-1750964400-1750971600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:June Meeting : What the JWST can tell us about star formation DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are free for our paid members. The public can attend once for free\, and are then encouraged to join. \nThis meeting is In-person only. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Presentation\nWe are very pleased to have UVIC PhD Student Breanna Crompvoets present in person to us.\nTitle: Star Formation in the Era of JWST\nSummary: \nStar formation is startlingly inefficient\, where only ~5% of the material in a cloud will actually go on to become a star. What gives? In this talk\, Breanna will explore how a star is made\, what processes inhibit or promote star formation\, and how various space telescopes are used to probe this question. In particular\, she will focus on how the James Webb Space Telescope\, with its unprecedented resolution and deep sensitivity\, is capable of exploring this question to previously impossible depths. \nBio: \nBreanna is a PhD student in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria\, focusing on analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope to study Galactic star-forming regions. Beyond academia\, Breanna is an aspiring outreach writer\, seeking to write poetry that connects astronomical phenomena to human sentiment. \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCoffee and cookies will be available. Remember to bring your own mug for coffee! Board members will be there to set up shortly after 6\, if anyone wants to come and help.\nCheers\, \nGordon Farlie\nPresident Nanaimo Astronomy Society URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/june-meeting-what-the-jwst-can-tell-us-about-star-formation/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250522T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250522T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250521T020439Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T020602Z UID:2349-1747940400-1747947600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:May meeting : Astronomy vs the Billionaire space race. DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are free for members\, and the public can attend once for free and are then encouraged to join.\nMain Presentation\nWe are very pleased to have Dr. Samantha Lawler presenting via zoom\nTitle:  ‘Astronomy vs. the Billionaire Space Race’\nSummary:  \nIn February 2024\, hundreds of pounds of potentially lethal debris from a SpaceX Crew Dragon trunk from a private astronaut mission fell on farmland near Regina\, Saskatchewan.  Later in the year\, a piece of a Starlink satellite was found in a lentil field near Swift Current.  Dr. Samantha Lawler of the University of Regina has been studying the proliferation of objects in orbit over the past few years\, and was stunned to learn that space debris fell so close to her home\, twice.  Come hear the story of SpaceX employees driving a rented U-Haul truck to an isolated farm to be greeted by an astronomer and a dozen of Saskatchewan’s finest local journalists\, and what all of this means for international law\, commercial satellites in Low Earth Orbit\, atmospheric pollution\, and the future of astronomy. \nBio: \nSamantha Lawler is a professor of astronomy at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. She completed degrees at the California Institute of Technology\, Wesleyan University\, and the University of British Columbia\, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Victoria and NRC-Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre.  She studies the orbital dynamics of Kuiper Belt objects as well as pollution from satellites.  She has been advocating for regulation of satellites as her research telescope data and her dark prairie skies have increasingly filled with bright satellites over the past several years\, and recently helped to publicize two separate SpaceX debris falls that occurred in Saskatchewan. \n \nPhoto: Dr. Samantha Lawler \n————- \nAfter the break VP Chris Boar will give a quick report on his recent visit to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/may-meeting-astronomy-vs-the-billionaire-space-race/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250424T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250424T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250407T221353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T221353Z UID:2345-1745521200-1745528400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:April meet : All the dark we cannot see & The Search for Life on Exoplanets DESCRIPTION:This meeting is free for paid members. Members of the public can attend once for free\, and are then encouraged to join. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMain Presentation\nWe are very pleased to have UVic PhD student Simon Smith present to us in-person! \n‘All the dark we cannot see — How the twists and twirls of the smallest galaxies point us to the invisible presence of dark matter’ \n\nSummary: The very smallest galaxies\, made up of just a few thousand individual stars\, hide in plain sight even in the deepest images taken of the night skies. We call these systems ultra-faint dwarf galaxies\, reflecting just how little light they produce. Aside from how fascinating it is to see such teeny tiny galaxies\, these systems of gravitationally-bound stars are critically important to our theories of how the entire Universe behaves\, because ultra faint dwarf galaxies appear to be surrounded by huge clouds of dark matter\, the invisible substance that comprises 80% of all mass. In this presentation\, I’ll share with you work that I do to discovery new ultra faint dwarf galaxies and measure how much dark matter surrounds them\, including the faintest system ever discovered\, called Ursa Major III/UNIONS 1\, a system so extreme that we cannot yet definitively say whether dark matter is truly there or not. I’ll share several images taken from major observatories in Hawaii\, and tell you about the most recent work being undertaken to investigate the presence of dark matter in Ursa Major III/UNIONS 1 and the consequences that it may impose upon our theories of dark matter. \nBio: My name is Simon Smith\, I’m a PhD student at the University of Victoria\, and an enthusiast public communicator of Astronomy! I’m originally from the tiny village of Oxenden\, Ontario\, and I’ve been thrilled to participate in a variety Astronomy events around Victoria since moving here nearly four years ago. When I’m not working away on my thesis\, I’m often out exploring the incredible natural beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer! \n\n \n\nPhoto: Simon Smith\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVIU Student Presentation\nWe are very pleased to once again have Greg Arkos introduce VIU students to present on their research project.\nPresenters: Drew Kuipers and Ryley MacDonald \nTitle: The Search for Life on Exoplanets: Spectroscopic Evidence \nSummary \nRyley and Drew are undergraduate Biology students at VIU and will be presenting about the spectroscopic evidence for life on planets outside of our solar system. They will be focusing on the evidence of life on the exoplanet K2-18b and will talk about the highlights and limitations of the findings from the JWST.  They will discuss aspects of biomarkers\, light spectroscopy\, astrobiology\, ethics\, and future considerations for research. \nVancouver Island University (VIU) students with a minimum of third year standing are able to enrol in two specialized elective courses in astronomy: The History of Astronomy (ASTR 312) and Exploring the Universe (ASTR 311).  Unlike our more general “survey style” first year astronomy offerings\, the third year courses emphasize a smaller but more specific set of topics without requiring previous astronomical or mathematical background.  An important component of both courses is a group presentation made to the class at the end of term.  This short “teaching” lecture is on a topic of interest selected by each group and typically falls within the scope of the material covered in the class (but without significant repetition of class material). \nIt had been a goal for years to expand on the existing ties between the Nanaimo Astronomical Society & VIU as well as to find more direct ways to involve students from the VIU astronomy courses in NAS events.  Those aspirations finally came to fruition at the April meeting in 2023 as students shared their ASTR 311 presentation with NAS members\, and this shared venture has become an annual “tradition” ever since!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Coffee and cookies will be available.  Remember to bring your own mug for coffee!  Board members will be there to set up shortly after 6\, if anyone wants to come and help. \nCheers\, \nGordon Farlie\nPresident Nanaimo Astronomy Society URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/april-meet-all-the-dark-we-cannot-see-the-search-for-life-on-exoplanets/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250327T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250327T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250306T213907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T215009Z UID:2334-1743102000-1743109200@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:March meeting : Intermediate mass stars + table top telescopes show n' tell DESCRIPTION:Please join us for this in-person meeting. Free for members. Members of the public can attend once for free are then encouraged to join our little society. \nWhen : Thursday\, March 27 7pm. \nLocation : Beban Park Social Centre Rooms 2/3 \nPlease arrive early and be seated to ensure we can start promptly at 7 pm.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nMain Presentation\nIntermediate Mass Stars (such as the Sun) \nWe are very pleased to have Astronomer Joaquín Bohigas Bosch presenting to us via zoom. \nBrief: \nIntermediate mass stars are all those whose initial mass is roughly between half and 8 times the solar mass. These stars go through the first two stages of stellar evolution – hydrogen and helium fusion – and end their existence as white dwarfs\, no matter how massive they were at the beginning. Less massive stars – red dwarfs – are unable to produce helium fusion. More massive stars complete all possible fusion reactions and end up as a neutron star or a black hole. Intermediate mass stars produce and seed the three basic elements of life; carbon\, oxygen and nitrogen\, and now we know that life can only prosper in planets orbiting intermediate mass stars that are up to 10% more massive than the Sun. In this talk we will see what other range of physical properties – surface temperature\, size\, luminosity and radius – do they have and discuss their evolution after they were formed by the collapse of a molecular cloud. Obviously\, the Sun will be frequently mentioned during this talk. \nBio: \nBorn in Mexico City in 1950\, Joaquín Bohigas Bosch is an astronomer (retired in 2021) schooled at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Oxford University. For forty years he was a researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Astronomy\, almost always in the facilities that this institute has in the city of Ensenada\, BC\, Mexico. Most of his activities were directly related to investigating different manifestations of the interstellar medium – such as supernovae remnants\,  star forming regions and planetary nebulae – but he also spent part of his time teaching and in outreach activities\, as well as presiding over and developing instrumentation for the National Astronomical Observatory in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir\, Baja California. He is the author of The Discovery of Stars. English\, Spanish and Catalan versions of this book are available on Amazon. \n\nPhoto: Joaquín Bohigas Bosch\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Presentation: SeeStar Telescope Demonstration \nWe are very please to have NAS member Robert Lachance doing a show n’ tell of his table top SeeStar telescopes. \n \nPhoto credit: Robert Lachance\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Coffee and cookies will be available.  Remember to bring your own mug for coffee!  Board members will be there to set up shortly after 6\, if anyone wants to come and help. \nCheers\, \nGordon Farlie\nPresident Nanaimo Astronomy Society URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/2334/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250227T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250227T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250210T182828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T185329Z UID:2328-1740682800-1740690000@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Feb meeting : Capturing the wonders of the night sky + Member meet'n greet\, Telescope hands-on DESCRIPTION:Please join us for this in-person meeting \nMembers off the public can attend a meeting once for free\, and are then encouraged to join. \nWhen : Thursday\, Feb 27th\, 7pm. \nLocation : Beban Park Social Centre Rooms 2/3 \nPlease arrive early and be seated to ensure we can start promptly at 7 pm.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nMain Presentation\nJeanine Holowatuik will be presenting to us via Zoom\nTitle : The Wonder and Awe of the Universe\n\nBrief : The night sky holds so much beauty\, from the dazzling auroras to the noctilucent clouds\, the wonders of the night are magical. Learn tips on how to view and capture the different wonders of the night  from an experienced aurora chaser and astro photographer. Jeanine shares her story of how being an aurora chaser turned her into a dark sky advocate. This session will provide you with valuable information and visual examples of how to see and capture the different wonders of the night and the unique challenges involved. \nBio : Jeanine Holowatuik is an avid aurora chaser\, astro photographer and guide. She’s a published astro photographer based in Hudson Bay\, Saskatchewan. With a focus on true to experience photography\, Jeanine’s work focuses on the connection between the night sky and the earth. As an advocate for dark skies\, Jeanine promotes Astro tourism and dark sky awareness through her photos\, writing and presentations. She leads aurora science and astro photography workshops and speaks about her aurora chasing adventures to an international audience.  Her work has been published around the world and is featured on the cover of the of the 2025 RASC calendar. \n \nPhoto credit: Jeanine Holowatuik \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember meet ‘n greet/Refractor Telescope hands on.\n2nd half of the meeting will be an informal chat/meet ‘n greet for members along with a basic hands on introduction to Refractor telescopes. All members are welcome\, we’d like to meet you and put a face to a name! \nCoffee and cookies will be available.  Remember to bring your own mug for coffee!  Board members will be there to set up shortly after 6\, if anyone wants to come and help. \nCheers\, \nGordon Farlie\nPresident Nanaimo Astronomy Society URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/jan-meeting-capturing-the-wonders-of-the-night-sky/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250126T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250126T180445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250126T180445Z UID:2324-1737914400-1737921600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Planet viewing Public Outreach DESCRIPTION:Planets public viewing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMercury transit May 2016 : Image credit Chris Boar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen : Sunday 26th Jan. 6-8pm. \nWhere : Maffeo Sutton Pk near the washrooms. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou may have seen on the news that we have an ongoing ‘planetary alignment’\, i.e. all the planets are currently visible in the night sky. \nTonight the Nanaimo Astronomy Society will have some members + volunteers set up with telescopes for viewing of Jupiter\, Mars\, and hopefully Saturn/Venus\, although those latter 2 are low in the night sky. \nSociety members feel free to join us with your own telescope! \nPLEASE NOTE : This event is weather dependent and may have to be cancelled at short notice. Keep any eye on our website for any updates. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/planet-viewing-public-outreach/ LOCATION:Maffeo Sutton Pk\, 100 Comox Road\, Nanaimo\, BC\, 39R 3H7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250123T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250123T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20250103T201523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250103T201654Z UID:2319-1737615600-1737662400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Jan Meeting - The Hubble Space Telescope & The Webb Space Telescope DESCRIPTION:This meeting is online only. Paid members should have received a meeting invite email. Non-members can attend once for free and are then encouraged to join. Please email the society at info@nanaimoastronomy.com for the meeting invite link if you’d like to attend. \nWe are very pleased to welcome Chris Gainer to present via Zoom.\n‘The Hubble Space Telescope & The Webb Space Telescope’\n\n\nThe Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our views of the Universe in the 35 years it has spent in operation. The Webb Space Telescope has made further major discoveries in its three years in operation. This presentation tells the story of these two space observatories. \nBio: Chris Gainor is the author of the official NASA History of Hubble Space Telescope Operations and of five other books. He is the president of the RASC Victoria Centre\, a former national president of the RASC\, and the editor of Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly. He holds a Ph.D. in the History of Technology from the University of Alberta. \n \nImages of the ‘Pillars of Creation’ in the Eagle Nebula (M16) by Hubble (left) and Webb (right) URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/jan-meeting-the-hubble-space-telescope-the-webb-space-telescope/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20241128T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20241128T200000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20241119T000836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241119T000836Z UID:2309-1732820400-1732824000@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Monthly meeting : Underwater Astronomy! DESCRIPTION:This month’s meeting is online only via Zoom. If you’d like to attend as a member of the public please email info@nanaimoastronomy.com for the Zoom invite link.\n\n——-\n\nWe are very pleased to have presenters from Oceans Network Canada joining us via zoom to introduce these fascinating underwater Astronomy projects.\n\nSolar storm detected in deep sea observatories \nThe powerful solar storm driving the aurora borealis over global skies since May are also triggering the movement of compasses deep in the ocean\, as revealed in new scientific findings by Ocean Networks Canada. Geomagnetic disturbances can pose risks to power grids\, satellite networks\, and navigation systems as well as impact animals’ own navigational abilities.  Better understanding the geographic extent and intensity of these storms may be useful data for researchers. \nStudying the origins of the universe\, under the sea \nResearch has shown that the deep ocean is the perfect environment to study neutrinos\, which are elusive subatomic particles produced by nuclear reactions in the sun\, radioactive decay\, and exploding stars. The Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment (P-ONE) is a proposed large-volume neutrino telescope in the Northeast Pacific Ocean\, off the coast of Vancouver Island. Building upon the optical deep-sea data and communications network operated by Ocean Networks Canada\, an international collaboration of researchers will target measuring high-energy neutrinos to shed light on the cosmos and the nature of black holes\, supernova outbursts\, and other cosmic particle accelerator event \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKate Moran\, President and CEO \nKate Moran is the President & CEO of Ocean Networks Canada (ONC)\, a position she has held since 2012. She first joined the University of Victoria in September 2011 as a professor in the Faculty of Science and as Director of NEPTUNE Canada. Her previous appointment was Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Rhode Island. From 2009 to 2011\, Moran was seconded to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where she served as an Assistant Director and focused on Arctic\, polar\, ocean\, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill\, and climate policy issues. She is active in public outreach on topics related to the Arctic\, ocean observing\, and climate change. Professor Moran co-led the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program’s Arctic Coring Expedition which successfully recovered the first paleoclimate record from the Arctic Ocean. She also led one of the first offshore expeditions to investigate the seafloor following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Professor Moran is a registered professional engineer\, an Officer of the Order of Canada\, a fellow of the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers\, and was selected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow for the class of 2022. \nBenoît Pirenne\, Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer \nBenoît Pirenne is Ocean Networks Canada’s Corporate Innovation and Technology Officer (CITO). He joined the University of Victoria in October 2004 to build the Data Management and Archiving System for the NEPTUNE Canada and VENUS observatories. In this outward-looking role with a focus on ONC’s current needs\, Benoît focuses on bringing about the rapidly evolving technologies\, both digital (AI/ML\, underwater communications) and physical (nodes\, smart cables\, mobile systems\, new sensor types) that will position ONC to remain as a global leader. His position will serve as sponsor for major initiatives (e.g.\, P-ONE\, node replacement). In addition he oversees the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System — Pacific Regional Association\, and the World Data System — International Technology Office. Previously\, Benoît spent 18 years at the European Southern Observatory (ESO\, Munich\, Germany)\, a leading Organization for astronomical research. At ESO Benoît assumed a number of scientific and technical positions. As Head of the Operations Technical Support Department in this Organization\, he was responsible for running the data management and archiving system supporting both ESO’s telescopes and the NASA/ESA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Benoît earned a BSc. from Liège\, Belgium\, and a MSc. from the University of Namur\, Belgium. \n_________________________ URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/monthly-meeting-underwater-astronomy/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20241024T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20241024T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20241008T032034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T032034Z UID:2306-1729796400-1729803600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Oct 24th : The Wonder and Awe of the Universe + Mt Kobau StarParty report DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are free for members.  Members of the public can attend once for free\, and are then encouraged to join.\n\nWe are very fortunate to have Dr David Prud’homme present in person!\n\nTitle : The Wonder and Awe of the Universe\n\nBrief : This talk will take you on a mind-boggling journey through our Universe from the smallest building blocks to the almost incomprehensible immensity of space.  You will never think about the Universe quite the same again.\n\n\nBio : Dr. David Prud’homme is a former president of the Edmonton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada\, with an avid interest in astronomy and space exploration.  He has been a volunteer instructor with Elder College for over a decade\, offering two courses – “Introduction to the Night Skies” and “Space Race: Quest for the Moon.”  He and his wife\, Linda\, have successfully seen four total solar eclipses – in Aruba; the Lybian Sahara Desert; Queensland\, Australia; and earlier this year in Miramichi\, New Brunswick.  David loves sharing the wonder and awe of our Universe.\n\n\n\n\nPhoto credit: Dr. David Prud’homme\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort Presentation\n\n\nVP Chris Boar and member Tony Puerzer report on their recent trip to the Mt Kobau Star Party back in August. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/oct-24th-the-wonder-and-awe-of-the-universe-mt-kobau-starparty-report/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240926T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240926T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240910T231312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240910T231312Z UID:2282-1727377200-1727384400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:The Dragonfly Telephoto array telescope + our AGM DESCRIPTION:Our first meeting of the 2024-2025 Season and it promises to be a good one. Our meetings are free for members. Non members can attend once for free and are then encouraged to join the society. \nWe’re very happy to have Dr. Deborah Lokhorst present to us (Research Officer at the NRC Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre) \nPresentation : ‘Unveiling the low surface brightness Universe with the Dragonfly Telephoto Array’ \n \nBrief : \nThe Dragonfly Telephoto Array is a novel telescope that was built to image very low surface brightness structures (such as galaxies that are large on the sky but extremely faint) that are prohibitively difficult (if not impossible) to detect with conventional telescopes. The Dragonfly Telephoto Array is uniquely able to detect low surface brightness phenomena due to its specialized design: Dragonfly is a mosaic telescope built from tens (and soon to be hundreds) of off-the-shelf Canon telephoto lenses. I’ll talk about the design of the Dragonfly Telephoto Array and its discoveries since it was built in 2014\, which range from uncovering a new type of galaxy to finding huge gas clouds outside of galaxies. I’ll finish with describing progress towards our ultimate goal of mapping the “cosmic web” of dark matter. \nBio : \nDr. Deborah Lokhorst is a Research Officer at the NRC Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre\, where she is researching the circumgalactic medium by developing\, building\, and operating new telescopes to directly map extragalactic line emission. She received her PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics in 2022 from the University of Toronto after completing her BSc in Physics & Astronomy at the University of Victoria. Dr. Lokhorst employs many different methods to carry out her research\, including computational theoretical work\, the collection and analysis of observational data\, and opto-mechanical engineering design and construction. \n\n  \nAfter this presentation will be our AGM. Paid members should have received details of this by email. \n  URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/the-dragonfly-telephoto-array-telescope-our-agm/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240627T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240627T190000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240131T213749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T173402Z UID:2199-1719514800-1719514800@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:June 27th: Dr. Raafat El-Hacha ~ Islamic Astronomy DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are open to the public. You are free to attend once for free and are then encouraged to join. \n\nMain Presentation: Starlit Innovations: Muslim Contributions to Astronomy in the Islamic Golden Age\n\nWe are very pleased to Dr. Raafat El-Hacha join us via Zoom\n\n  \n\nBrief:\nDuring the Islamic Golden Age\, spanning from the 7th to the 14th century\, the Islamic world experienced an unprecedented flourishing of science\, culture\, and intellectual activity. Remarkable advancements marked this era in various fields\, including astronomy\, mathematics\, chemistry\, and medicine\, where Muslim scientists and scholars made groundbreaking  contributions that shaped the future of many disciplines.Muslim astronomers inherited and expanded upon the knowledge from ancient civilizations such as the Greeks\, Persians\, and Indians.Their meticulous observations\, innovative theories\, and contributions during the Islamic Golden Age not only preserved ancient knowledge but also significantly advanced the understanding of the cosmos. They constructed the world’s first observatories\, corrected previous astronomical data\, and developed new astronomical theories. Muslim astronomers made original contributions to astronomy and invented the astrolabe\, often nicknamed “a mathematical jewel” of the time\, along with many other sophisticated instruments. These advancements laid the foundation for modern astronomy\, bridging the gap between ancient and Renaissance scientific traditions. \nBio: Raafat El-Hacha\, PhD\, PEng \nProfessor of Structural Engineering at the University of Calgary in the Department of Civil Engineering\, Canada. Received his Ph.D. degree from Queen’s University\, Canada\, in 2000.Dr. El-Hacha is a Fellow of the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC)\, the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE)\, the American Concrete Institute (ACI)\, and the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). He received several awards\, distinctions\, and fellowships\, including the CSCE Casimir Gzowski Gold Medal Award\, CSCE Excellence in Innovation in Civil Engineering Award\, IIFC President’s Award\, Killam Professorship Award\, twice the Erasmus Mundus International Fellowship and many others for his outstanding academic and professional achievements. \n  \n \n  \n  \n\n\n  \n“What has astronomy done for me lately?”\n\nPresentation by NAS VP: Gordon Farlie\n  \nBio: Gordon graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 in Electrical Engineering. He then pursued his Bachelor of Education in1987 and spent the next 30 years teaching math and science in high school. His roles have included department head\, site administrator\, liaison between high school\, elementary\, and post-secondary\, and was the lead mentor for provincial Science Olympics. He worked with Peel Police to produce “Worlds Collide\,” which involved 300 students investigating a simulated on-site car crash. Drama\, law\, physics\, and media students worked together to show the multifaceted aspects that a fatality can have on a community. Gordon got his first telescope at age 10 and has been looking up from then on. He is an avid reader of all things concerning astronomy. \nGordon has always been the “go-to guy” at his school for all things concerning astronomy. He is most fascinated with gravity\, dark matter\, and energy. After seeing Star Wars in 1977\, Gordon has been a science fiction fan and loves when movies occasionally get the physics and astronomy right. Gordon and his family moved to Nanaimo in the summer of 2022\, and he continues to work with students as a private tutor. \nGordon’s wife\, Maggie\, is currently a supply teacher with the Cowichan Board. He has two children\, Kevin (first year Masters in Nuclear Engineering in Ontario) and Anna (first year theatre at VIU)\, and has a golden doodle named Leo and a King Charles Spaniel named Molly \n \n\n\n\nWe need YOU!\nYes\, yet another reminder that I as President\, I will step down at the Sept AGM (but will remain as a Director). We need a new president to keep our society going. Please contact me to learn more about this position.\n\nRemember to bring your own mug for coffee! Board members will be there to set up shortly after 6\, if anyone wants to come and help.\nCheers\,\nChris Boar\nPresident Nanaimo Astronomy Society URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/june-27th-dr-raafat-el-hacha-islamic-astronomy/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240523T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240523T190000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240131T213714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T222117Z UID:2197-1716490800-1716490800@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:May 23rd: Reg Dunkley ~ Victoria Royal Astronomical Society DESCRIPTION:Our meetings are open to the public. You are free to attend once for free and are then encouraged to join\, \n  \nMain Presentation: Weather Websites That Help Optimize Your Observing Opportunities \nWe are very pleased to have Reg Dunkley presenting in-person! \n \nBrief:  Clouds are the enemies of astronomers. Why don’t clouds fall down? What causes the air to move? What energy sources drive the weather? What circulation patterns produce clear skies? These fundamental questions will be explored and will help us to improve our understanding of the weather. A few web pages will be demonstrated that help determine the location and motion of clouds at the moment. Other powerful web pages that display where these clouds will move to in the near future will also be showcased. Together they will help to identify windows of opportunity to savour the night sky. \nBio:  Reg Dunkley is a meteorologist (retired) and a former president of the Victoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. For 33 years he was employed by Environment Canada and worked in forecast offices located in Comox\, Whitehorse and Vancouver. In addition to forecasting the weather he also served as a forensic meteorologist and the head of data management. \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAstronomy Q and A with Bill Weller\n\nBrief: NAS Director Bill Weller enjoys answering questions on a wide variety of Astronomy topics.  For those that are new to Astronomy\, Bill can explain things in an easy to understand way.  So bring your questions – don’t be shy! \nBio: Dr. Weller (Bill) has had a lifelong interest in Astronomy\, beginniing at about age 4. He eventually earned a Bsc(Hon)  in physics in 1971\, and a PhD in Earth and Space Science in 1984\, both from York University in Toronto. \nHe spent 2 years at Dunlap Observatory\, U of T before going to Chile\, where he worked at the Cerro Tololo InterAmerican Observatory. From there he moved to the Gemini project\, where his title was instrumentation scientist (optical). When he arrived in Nanaimo he taught astronomy and laboratory physics at Malaspina University College\, now VIU. \n His interests include Planetary Nebulae\, emission line stars and instrumentation. After retirement he spends much of his time wondering what is time\, and where did it all go \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“What has astronomy done for me lately?” \nPresentation by NAS VP: Gordon Farlie \n \n  \nBio: Gordon graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 in Electrical Engineering. He then pursued his Bachelor of Education in1987 and spent the next 30 years teaching math and science in high school. His roles have included department head\, site administrator\, liaison between high school\, elementary\, and post-secondary\, and was the lead mentor for provincial Science Olympics. He worked with Peel Police to produce “Worlds Collide\,” which involved 300 students investigating a simulated on-site car crash. Drama\, law\, physics\, and media students worked together to show the multifaceted aspects that a fatality can have on a community.   \nGordon got his first telescope at age 10 and has been looking up from then on. He is an avid reader of all things concerning astronomy. Gordon has always been the “go-to guy” at his school for all things concerning astronomy. He is most fascinated with gravity\, dark matter\, and energy.  After seeing Star Wars in 1977\, Gordon has been a science fiction fan and loves when movies occasionally get the physics and astronomy right. \nGordon and his family moved to Nanaimo in the summer of 2022\, and he continues to work with students as a private tutor.  \nGordon’s wife Maggie is currently a supply teacher with Cowichan Board. He has two children\, Kevin (first year Masters in Nuclear Engineering in Ontario) and Anna (first year theatre at VIU)\, and has a golden doodle named Leo and a King Charles Spaniel named Molly. \n  URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/may-23rd-reg-dunkley-victoria-royal-astronomical-society/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240425T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240425T190000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240131T213632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240424T172454Z UID:2195-1714071600-1714071600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:April 25th: Aurorae\, Solar Eclipse and VIU Astronomy Students DESCRIPTION:Scientific and Cultural Aspects of the Aurorae \nWe are very pleased to have Maria Volosatov presenting in person\n\nBrief : The monoatomic and diatomic interactions with atmospheric agents\, spectroscopy\, electromagnetic interactions\, and the coronal mass ejections & winds which cause the influx of radiation that excites and produces the aurorae. I’d also like to discuss known records of observation in both hemispheres\, focusing on the Inuit perception of Aksarnirq (aurora borealis) and the Māori perceptions (and Antarctic canoe voyages) to uncover the secrets of the Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi (aurora australis). \nBio : Maria Volosatov is a University of Victoria physics and astronomy graduate. The captivating pull of astrophysics got a hold of her early on\, and she believes in sharing her love for all things scientific with her community. Having done outreach with Students for Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)\, she hopes to give others an opportunity to develop professionally\, expand their education and scientific curiosity\, and enjoy the wonders of the universe. She also writes for the SEDS blog & runs an Astronomy Club at Gabriola Elementary School. If she’s not outside looking through her Dobsonian telescope\, she’s probably inside reading fantasy novels\, or rewatching old Spaghetti Westerns. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ’Someone broke the sky’ \nExperiences from our very own Eclipse Chasers: Chris Boar and Tony Puerzer\n \n\nBrief : I came across a good quote recently about Total solar eclipses. “Experiencing a 99.9999% partial solar eclipse is like witnessing a nice sunset. Witnessing a 100% solar eclipse is like watching the sky break”.\n\nHaving witnessed the 2017 Total eclipse in Oregon I agree and I’ll be travelling to just East of Montreal to hopefully experience Totality again on the 8th April. At our April meeting I’ll be reporting back hopefully with some spectacular photos/video.\n\nBio : Chris Boar is the current Society President and a recently retired professional photographer. \n\n\nPhoto above : Self portrait of Chris during the 2017 Total solar eclipse. \nBio: Tony Puerzer is a regular contributor to Sky & Telescope magazine\, writing about astrophotography for beginners in a column titled First Exposure. From 2016 to 2019 he authored the popular Capturing The Universe column for SkyNews magazine\, which was published by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. \n \nPhoto above: Self portrait of Tony during the 2017 Total solar eclipse \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVIU Astronomy Student Presentation\n\nWe are very pleased to once again have Dr. Greg Arkos introduce some of his Third year astronomy students enrolled in ASTR 311/312 to present on their projects.\n\nBrief: Vancouver Island University (VIU) students with a minimum of third year standing are able to enroll in two specialized elective courses in astronomy: The History of Astronomy (ASTR 312) and Exploring the Universe (ASTR 311).  Unlike our more general “survey style” first year astronomy offerings\, the third year courses put significantly greater emphasis on a smaller set of topics but without requiring previous astronomical or mathematical background.  An important component of both courses is a 20 minute long group presentation made to the class at the end of the semester.  This short “teaching” lecture is on a topic of interest selected by each group and which falls within the scope of the material covered in class (but without repeating class material).\n\nIt has been a goal for many years to expand on the strong ties that exist between the Nanaimo Astronomical Society & VIU as well as to find ways to more directly include students from the VIU astronomy courses in NAS events.  Those aspirations finally came to fruition in 2023 as one of the top groups from the spring semester shared their ASTR 311 presentation with NAS members.  The intent was to make such cooperative ventures between NAS and VIU a regular annual event and so it is with great pleasure that I am able to confirm that VIU astronomy students will again present at the April meeting of the Nanaimo Astronomical Society…\n\nBio: Though space has fascinated Greg Arkos since his early childhood\, a career in astronomy would only follow later in life.  Greg completed a BSc Honours degree in Geophysics at the University of Manitoba before attaining his PhD in space physics at the University of British Columbia.  A postdoctoral research position with the Space Research Group at the University of Calgary followed\, eventually leading to an ongoing sessional teaching position at Mount Royal College.  Greg joined the Department of Physics\, Engineering & Astronomy at Vancouver Island University in 2003 as a full-time faculty member and has been happily teaching there ever since!  His current interests include all things astronomical\, science outreach and the promotion of scientific literacy.  Greg was a founding member of the award winning\, VIU produced science-themed radio program `Not Rocket Science’.  On clear nights he may be found imaging astronomical phenomena of all kinds from his deck or on the roof of the physics building introducing VIU’s astronomy students to the wonders of the night sky. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/april-25th-dr-gregory-arkos-students-department-of-physics-astronomy-vancouver-island-university/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240408T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240408T123000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240402T155338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240402T155338Z UID:2235-1712572200-1712579400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Solar Eclipse public viewing 8th April DESCRIPTION:You may have seen on the news that North America will experience a total solar eclipse next week on Monday 8th. \nHere in Nanaimo we are right on the edge of the eclipse path\, so won’t experience Totality. Coverage of the sun will be about 16%. \nThe eclipse starts at 10.43am with maximum coverage at 11.30am. \nThe Nanaimo Astronomy Society will have some members + volunteers set up with telescopes and special glasses for safe viewing of the eclipse on the field next to the parking lot at Pipers Lagoon. \n\nNOTE 1: This event is weather dependent and may have to be cancelled at short notice. Keep any eye on our Facebook page for any updates. It is expected to go ahead unless it is raining.\n\nNOTE 2 : We do not have any solar glasses for sale and will only have them available at the outreach event. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/solar-eclipse-public-viewing-8th-april/ LOCATION:pipers Lagoon\, 3600 Place Rd\,\, Nanaimo\, V9T 5T7\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Viewing Outreach END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240328T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240328T190000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240131T213518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T171511Z UID:2193-1711652400-1711652400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:March 28th: March 28 Double Feature: Astronomy activities for kids AND Revealing the Invisible Universe with Radio Telescopes DESCRIPTION:This in-person meeting features something for all ages!\n  \nBring your kids or grandkids from 7:00 to 7:45 pm for some kid friendly\, interactive activities to learn about and enjoy astronomy. (Adults may enjoy this too!)\nOur main presentation will begin at 8 pm\, with Dr. Jennifer West joining us via zoom.  (Please note\, members must attend in-person).\n\nWhen: Thursday March 28  at 7 pm.\nWhere: Beban Park Social Center\, Rooms 2 and 3\n\nMain Presentation:\n  \nRevealing the Invisible Universe with Radio Telescopes\nDr. Jennifer West\, NRC will be joining via zoom at 8 pm.\n  \n \n\n  \nPresentation Overview:\nRadio astronomy has been around for nearly a hundred years. In that time\, we have only managed to see a glimpse of the Universe’s many hidden secrets that can be revealed at radio wavelengths. With recent advances in computing\, we have seen an explosion of new radio telescopes\, including the upcoming Square Kilometre Array for which Canada has officially announced its intention to become a full member. With these telescopes comes a wealth of new and upcoming data. I will discuss some of the things that we hope to learn\, the challenges we still face\, and the new technology that comes with it. \nBio:\nJennifer West is currently a Covington Fellow at the Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre\, National Research Council of Canada.  At the Dunlap Institute\, Jennifer was a Research Associate who used large radio surveys and radio polarimetry to study magnetic fields in supernova remnants and in the Milky Way Galaxy.  She worked with Prof. Bryan Gaensler to analyze data from the upcoming POSSUM (Polarisation Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism) survey using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP).\nJennifer is also enthusiastic about astronomy education and outreach. She is the recipient of the International Dark Sky Association’s Dark Sky Defender Award (2011) and the RASC’s Ken Chilton Prize (2010) for her contributions to astronomy education and outreach. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/march-28th-dr-jennifer-west-herzberg-astronomy-astrophysics-research-centre/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240222T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240222T190000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20240131T213402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240206T054043Z UID:2191-1708628400-1708628400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:February 22nd: Bob McDonald ~ Science Journalist with CBC DESCRIPTION:Join us for this very special online presentation\nby Bob McDonald\n  \n “An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space”\n  \nBob McDonald\, Author and Science Journalist\n \nBrief:\nMy talk is titled\, “An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space.” \nIt is based on one of my recent books by the same title and looks at the universe through questions young people ask: What happens if you fall into a black hole\,” Where could I take a holiday in space?” or “What is our cosmic address?” These and many more questions will be explored with visuals and demonstrations that can be done at home using everyday materials. \nBio:\nBob McDonald has been bringing science to the public for more than 50 years. In addition to hosting Quirks & Quarks\, the award-winning science program that is heard by 800\,000 people each week\,  McDonald is also science correspondent for CBC TV’s The National and host of the children’s series Head’s Up. He was also host of the CBC Children’s series Wonderstruck. He has written and hosted numerous television documentaries and more than 100 educational videos in Canada and the United States. \n As a writer\, he has authored six bestselling science books\, and contributed to numerous textbooks\, magazines\, and newspapers (including The Globe and Mail). His latest book is The Future is Now: Solving the climate crisis with current technology. McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science within Canada.  He has been awarded the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council\, the “Sir Sanford Fleming Medal” from the Royal Canadian Institute\, and the “McNeil Medal” from The Royal Society of Canada. He also won a 2008 Gemini Award for “Best Host in a Pre-School\, Children’s or Youth Program or Series.” \nHe is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. \nIn 2015\, asteroid 332324 was officially named Bobmcdonald in his honour. \nHe holds thirteen honorary doctorates from Canadian universities.. \n\nThe February 22nd Meeting is online only via Zoom. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/feb-meeting-bob-mcdonald-science-journalist-with-cbc/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240125T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20240125T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20231207T194902Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240122T195500Z UID:2150-1706209200-1706216400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:How different cultures see the night sky\, and guide to the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse. DESCRIPTION:Happy New Year to all NAS members!\nPlease join us to kick off 2024 with these two in-person presentations.\nOur meetings are free for members. The public can attend once for free and are then encourage to join. \n‘The Importance of Ethnoastronomy’ (online presentation)\n \n\n\n\nBrief : \nAn asterism is a star or stars that have been identified and named. The people of the world come from a variety of social\, educational\, and cultural backgrounds. This means that even though they are looking up at exactly the same stars that you are\, they see different patterns than you. Even within your own culture there will be differences. People have used the sky as:\n·       A calendar\, and/or \n·       A divination system\, and/or \n·       A navigational tool\, and/or \n·       A weather prediction system\, and/or \n·       A place to honor: \no   Their deities \no   Their ancestors\, or \no   Their culture. \nThis is a practice that continues to this day. \nThis World Asterisms Project is a living project started in June 2021 by the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as a celebration of the sky cultures of the world: It continues to grow as the process of naming the stars above is an ongoing process. It is also growing as ethnoastronomers and researchers investigate old records and interview elders and recover previously lost sky cultures. We are stewards of these records and are using the “Two Eyes Seeing” approach pioneered by members of our Halifax Centre of the RASC in their ongoing partnership with the Mi’kmaq people to recover their sky lore: the shared perspectives of astronomers and knowledge keepers. We are doing our best to avoid exonyms and use the names these people use for themselves. We are identifying the asterisms here and whenever possible directing people to representatives of the cultures involved for information on the sky stories or dream lines related to those asterisms.\n\n\nBio :\n\nCharles Ennis is the Past National President of the RASC and a member of their Sunshine Coast Centre. He is the founder of the World Asterisms Project. He is a very active astronomy educator and ethnoastronomer and the writer/host or director/producer of astronomical videos such as Eastlink TV’s Night Lights\, the RASC’s Insider’s Guide to the Galaxy\, the short Bravo documentary Starry Nights\, and various other YouTube videos on astronomy.\n\n\n\n—————-\n\nShort Presentation:\nPresident Chris Boar will be talking about the upcoming North American Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th\, what we’ll see in Nanaimo\, and a general introduction to eclipses. \n  \n\nIf you want to come early to help with room setup from 6pm\, it would be appreciated. \n\nUpcoming Meetings in 2024\n\nFebruary 22nd:  Bob McDonald ~ Science Journalist with CBC *** Zoom Only Meeting *** \nMarch 28th: Dr. Jennifer West ~ Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre\nApril 25th: Dr. Gregory Arkos & Students ~ Department of Physics & Astronomy\, Vancouver Island University\nMay 23rd: Reg Dunkley ~ Victoria Royal Astronomical Society\nJune 27th: Dr. Raafat El-Hacha ~ Islamic Astronomy URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/january25-member-meeting/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231123T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231123T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20231109T212926Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T214832Z UID:2130-1700766000-1700773200@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Forging Elements inside Stars: Nuclear Astrophysics in a Nutshell DESCRIPTION:  \nPhoto : Dr. Iris Dillmann\, Senior Research Scientist at TRIUMF and Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria \nWhen: Thursday\, November 23rd\nWhere: Beban Park Social Centre\, Room 3\n\nPlease join us for this Stellar presentation!\n  Forging Elements inside Stars: Nuclear Astrophysics in a Nutshell\n  \nPresented by: Dr. Iris Dillman\, Senior Research Scientist at TRIUMF\nand\nAdjunct Professor at the University of Victoria\nBrief :\n“We are made of star stuff!” This famous sentence from astrophysicist Carl Sagan emphasizes that every atom in our body comes from stellar material and was processed through hundreds of generation of stars since the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago. Nuclear Astrophysicist Iris Dillmann will walk you through the main stellar processes that create all the elements around us and show you how we at TRIUMF\, Canada’s particle accelerator centre in Vancouver\, are investigating this star stuff to improve our understanding of the origin of our building blocks. \nBio : \nIris Dillmann is a Senior Research Scientist at TRIUMF and Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria. Her multifaceted research interests cover many areas of nuclear physics and astrophysics with focus on the creation of elements heavier than iron in stars. Iris leads the “Exotic Decay Spectroscopy” research group at TRIUMF which carries out experiments at radioactive beam facilities in Japan\, Finland\, Germany\, and also locally at TRIUMF. \nSince early childhood Iris is a “lunar-tic” who is fascinated with the moon\, planets\, stars\, and the Space Shuttle. To realize her dream of becoming an astronaut and be the first woman on the moon\, she participated in the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Selection Program in 2008. When this did not work out\, she focussed on her academic career to investigate the creation of elements in stars. \nPhD 2006 University of Basel\, Switzerland. Postdoctoral researcher 2007 (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology\, Germany)\, 2008-09 (Technical University of Munich\, Germany)\nHelmholtz Young Investigators Group Leader 2010-15  (GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research\, Darmstadt and University of Giessen\, Germany)\nResearch Scientist at TRIUMF since 2013. Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria since 2016 \nPhoto: Dr. Iris Dillman working in Japan \n  \n*The presentation will begin shortly after 7pm. Please try to arrive before the presentation.\n*Free for members. Non-members may attend once for free and then we encourage them to join.\nVolunteers to set-up chairs and tables are always welcome. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/forging-elements-inside-stars-nuclear-astrophysics-in-a-nutshell/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231026T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231026T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20231003T024954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231003T025650Z UID:2100-1698346800-1698354000@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:October 26th Meeting: 'Astro Navigation - Stars & Time' DESCRIPTION:Photo: Chris Cottle – Retired Nautical Navigator and a Weapons Officer\, Royal Canadian Navy \nWhen: Thursday\, October 26th at 7pm\nWhere: Beban Park Social Centre\, Room 3\n\n\nWe’re thrilled to have Chris Cottle present to us.\nRetired Nautical Navigator and Weapons Officer\, Royal Canadian Navy.\nBrief:  From the earliest of modern man\, we have needed to know where we are going and where we were. This helped make commerce efficient and also permitted wars. Thousands of years ago\, we realized we could follow the stars and the sun to guide us to where we wanted to go\, but it had limitations. Many steps had to fall into place in order to get to the days of GPS. This lecture discusses this progression of ocean-going navigation. \nBio:  I went to Royal Military College in the early 1970s and I was in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1970 to 1982. I was a Nautical Navigator and a Weapons Officer aboard the Canadian Destroyers. Our job was to chase submarines of the USSR and help protect US Navy Aircraft Carrier groups. That role seems to have returned. I then went back to school to become a dentist\, and I remained in the Canadian Forces Dental Services until 1991. I retired from the military and had a private dental practice north of Toronto. My hobbies include astronomy and repairing 100+ year old typewriters. I have retired in Courtenay and other than enjoying life with my wife\, I “work” at my hobbies. \n*The presentation will begin shortly after 7pm. Please try to arrive and seat early.\n*Free for members. Non-members may attend once for free and then we encourage them to join.\nVolunteers to set-up chairs and tables at 6:15pm are always welcome.\n\n  URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/october-26th-meeting-astro-navigation-stars-time/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada CATEGORIES:Society Meeting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231014T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20231014T103000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20231005T194915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T032143Z UID:2115-1697270400-1697279400@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Public Viewing - Partial Solar Eclipse 14th October. DESCRIPTION:On Saturday 14th October there will be an Annular Eclipse. The Moon’s distance from the Earth means the Moon’s apparent size is not quite enough to completely cover the Sun (as in a total solar eclipse). During an Annular eclipse the Moon nearly covers the Sun\, leaving a ‘ring of fire’. You will only see that though if you are in the path of annular totality. In Nanaimo we will not see the ring of fire but will have a partial (77% covered) eclipse. At no point during the eclipse is it safe to look at the sun without appropriate safety viewing glasses or telescopes fitted with solar filters. \n \nThe Astronomy Society plan to host a public viewing event (weather permitting) from Pipers Lagoon. We will have solar viewing telescopes and solar glasses for the public to use. We will be set up on the field next to the parking lot. There is an open ridge by the beach which has ideal viewing over to the SE. We will be there setting up between 7.30-8am. \nThe eclipse will be visible low on the SE horizon starting at 8.08am. Maximum eclipse in Nanaimo will be 77% at 9.19am. And the eclipse will end at 10.37. \nWeather may force us to cancel this public viewing. Keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page for upto date information. \n  \n  URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/public-viewing-partial-solar-eclipse-14th-october/ LOCATION:pipers Lagoon\, 3600 Place Rd\,\, Nanaimo\, V9T 5T7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230928T202000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230928T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20230903T205819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230903T205819Z UID:2030-1695932400-1695934800@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:Annual General Meeting DESCRIPTION:This is notification of our AGM in September. The AGM will occur after our normal member meeting (which starts at 7pm). Paid members will receive email notification of the AGM. \n  \n  URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/annual-general-meeting/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230928T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230928T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20230904T190818Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230904T192442Z UID:2033-1695927600-1695934800@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:September 28 Meeting: Canada’s Long Range Plan 2021-2030 DESCRIPTION:Canada’s Long-Range Plan 2021-2030\n\nWe are very fortunate to have Dr. James Di Francesco from Victoria to present to us in-person!\n\nDr. James Di Francesco \nCanada’s Long Range Plan 2021-2030\n  \nBrief : Every ten years\, astronomers across Canada organize a nationwide discussion about the near-term future of astronomy in Canada.  This grassroots process\, known as the Long Range Plan\, significantly defines priorities for current and future astronomy investments with broad consensus across the country.  In 2021\, the latest version of the Long Range Plan\, produced by a panel co-chaired by Bryan Gaensler (Toronto) and Pauline Barmby (Western)\, was released.  In my short presentation\, I will summarize briefly the main recommendations made by the 2020 Long Range Plan\, and provide updates on its recommended highest priorities\, namely the ground-based optical Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)\, the ground-based radio Square Kilometre Array (SKA)\, and the space-based Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical/uv Research (CASTOR).  In addition\, I will highlight some of the other recommendations made about the astronomy community in general.  If adequately funded\, Canada’s ambitious plans will enable it to retain its forefront reputation in astronomy and astrophysics on the world stage for decades to come. \nBio : Dr. James Di Francesco is the Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Optical Astronomy at the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA).  Located currently in Victoria\, BC\, he is originally from Trenton\, ON.  He received his PhD in Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997\, and afterwards had two successive postdoctoral appointments at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in Cambridge\, MA in 1997-1999 and the University of California\, Berkeley in 1999-2002.  He has been part of the HAA research staff for the past 21 years and has been a Director since 2018. He also holds an adjunct professorial appointment at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria. \n*The presentation will begin shortly after 7pm. Please try to arrive and seat early.\n*Free for members. Non-members may attend once for free and then we encourage them to join.\nVolunteers to set-up chairs and tables at 6:15pm are always welcome. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/september-28-meeting-canadas-long-range-plan-2021-2030/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230622T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20230622T210000 DTSTAMP:20260423T083612 CREATED:20230607T172525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230617T180059Z UID:1994-1687460400-1687467600@www.nanaimoastronomy.com SUMMARY:June Meeting - Capturing the Universe: An Introduction to Astrophotography with showcase DESCRIPTION:This Meeting is In-Person Only\nPlease Join NAS President Chris Boar & VP Tony Puerzer for this engaging visual experience!\nCapturing the Universe: An Introduction to Astrophotography with showcase\nBrief: Join us for a fascinating journey through time and space as you experience the amazing world of astrophotography. Using traditional landscape photography as a “departure point” you’ll discover how to craft breathtaking long-exposure images of the night sky and awesome portraits of the sun and moon. Chris & Tony will introduce you to the gear and techniques you’ll need to start creating your own stunning images\, from simple star trails to long exposure deep space photography. \nAstrophotography Showcase: After the main presentation we’ll also be showcasing a few local Astrophotographers images\, who will also be on hand with their photography rigs to answer any questions. \nBio: Chris & Tony are President and Vice President of the Nanaimo Astronomy Society.They are both professional photographers living in Nanaimo who are also experienced amateur astrophotographers. URL:https://www.nanaimoastronomy.com/events/june-meeting-capturing-the-universe-an-introduction-to-astrophotography-with-showcase/ LOCATION:Beban Park Social Centre – Rooms 2&3\, 2300 Bowen Rd\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9T 3K7\, Canada END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR