Astronomy Activities at Johnville Bog & Forest Park and at Bishop’s University

The Club des astronomes amateurs de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke Amateur Astronomy Club) will be celebrating International Astronomy Day on Saturday, May 14th. For this special occasion, the public will be invited to take part in not one, but two observation and initiation to astronomy activities.

Overall, some ten astronomy amateurs are inviting the public to come observe the moon, Jupiter and Mars as well as several other celestial objects through a variety of telescopes.

One of these two activities is organized in collaboration with Nature Eastern Townships at the Johnville Bog & Forest Park. Visitors will be invited to take part in a guided trek through the park starting at 6:30 p.m. Astronomical observation will begin at 8:30 p.m. It is recommended that visitors dress warmly regardless of the weather forecast.

In the event of rain or of cloudy skies, this activity will be postponed to fall 2016. A message of confirmation will be posted on the morning of Saturday, May 14 on: www.caas.sherbrooke.qc.ca.

The public is also invited to come to Bishop’s University where an observatory can be found on top of the Nicolls building. Starting at 1:30 p.m., visitors can stop at information booths on astronomy and examine a number of small telescopes in the entry hall. They will also be given access to the observatory and to its 430 mm telescope throughout the day. Weather permitting, daytime observations of the sun and nighttime observations of other celestial objects will also be included in the day’s program.

The observatory visit will take place regardless of weather conditions. Amateur astronomers and students will be present to talk about their passion for astronomy and to demonstrate the use of the various telescopes on site.

These two activities are free and all are welcome.

View the press releases in English and French.

Contact : Vincent Desmarais
819 829-8942