Canada’s Largest Star Party

Go to Google Maps pin to the Trottier Observatory

Download walking map to the Trottier Observatory, from East Parking and and Transit Station

Presented by SFU Science Outreach and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Vancouver​

On the last Friday of every month, join us for a special live edition of Starry Nights at SFU’s Trottier Observatory where we will be streaming live from the SFU Trottier Observatory. Get an astronomer’s-eye view of objects in the night sky through the Trottier Observatory telescope, from the comfort of home.​​

The link to Starry Nights Online events will be sent out over the Starry Nights mailing list and on our social media, as above.

Volunteers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Vancouver will join the live chat to answer your astronomy questions.​

This event will only go ahead if the weather is clear. Check our Facebook or X/Twitter accounts for weather updates.​

View previous Starry Nights Online events on our YouTube Channel.​

PLEASE NOTE:​

• This event is online only. There will be no in-person event during livestreamed events.​
• Telescope loyalty cardholders may NOT earn credit from attending these online events.

• Admittance to the observatory is free to the general public (children are welcome). 5-10 people are allowed to enter at any time when the door and slit are open. Masks are recommended, but no longer required.​
• We make no guarantee that everyone who comes to Starry Nights will get inside the observatory. We ask for your patience and understanding as we make every effort to accommodate as many people as we can.  Our staffers will assist in managing the line up outside the observatory entrance.  We ask for everyone's cooperation in complying with all safety protocols.​
• Once you have looked through the telescope, please make your way back outside so that another guest can have a turn.  Our staffers will be disinfecting the telescope eyepiece before and after each visitor's use. If you intend to go back in again, please have yourself stamped upon entry (as proof that your vaccine card has been checked) and line up again at the entrance.
• Food, drink and flash photography are not permitted inside the observatory.​
• SFU is not responsible for the supervision of children at public events. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. However, because only ONE member of the public is allowed inside at one time, unfortunately children will have to go in alone. But the parents can watch their child from the door.
• Please do not touch the telescope - despite its size, it is a sensitive piece of equipment!

• Masks are recommended​
• Accessibility is a priority at the Trottier Observatory. There are no stairs required for entry, and the eyepiece is thoughtfully positioned for wheelchair users' convenience.​
  
• Our operation is run by dedicated volunteers who give generously of their time: they include SFU students, staff, faculty, and amateur astronomers from the Vancouver Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. We ask for your cooperation as all our volunteers comply with safety protocols.​
• Feel free to use the portable telescopes set up outside the observatory but please remember that these telescopes are the personal property of our volunteers, whose safety precautions and usage are their own responsibility.​
• These events may be photographed and/or video recorded by Simon Fraser University for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in these events, you are giving your consent to be photographed and/or video recorded. If you do not wish to be photographed and/or video recorded, please let us know and move to the side prior to the shoot

https://www.sfu.ca/science/community/trottier-observatory---courtyard/free-telescope-program.html