Cosmic Connections Observing Sessions
EfstonScience invites you to explore the cosmos at our Cosmic Connections Observing Sessions.
EfstonScience’s Cosmic Connections Observing Sessions are a chance to experience amateur astronomy first-hand, practice using a telescope, get tips from our expert staff and have fun star-gazing with friends. You don’t have to be a customer or even own a telescope for that matter — if you’re curious about astronomy, come out and give it a try.
EfstonScience provides state-of-the-art telescopes at each session that everyone can use – it’s a great chance to check out the latest in telescope technology and compare different designs. An EfstonScience Expert is always on hand to help beginners become better acquainted with their equipment and the night sky, as well as other friendly amateur astronomers with many years of experience.
Our observing sessions include insightful mini-seminars on topics like:
- What’s up tonight?
- Locating the Constellations
- Showpiece objects and Planets
- Astronomy for Small Scopes
We are also excited to introduce a new Shoot the Moon Urban Observing Series, held on the night of the full moon of each month. On these nights, we will arrange to meet at a site in the GTA where you may be able to watch the moon rise with an unobstructed view over Lake Ontario… truly a sight not to be missed. Small scopes and cameras are welcome, but this is an experience that can be enjoyed with nothing more than your eyes!
At EfstonScience we stand beside our products – literally – so that our customers can experience the thrill of discovering the wonders of space for themselves.
When is it?
Observing sessions are typically held during one window each month during the summer and early fall – see our 2011 calendar for dates. We try to time these events with the moon slightly ‘out of the way’ to allow for darker skies. Our EfstonScience Expert will be there from just before dusk until around 11pm, though observers can stay as late as they like.
Observing takes place on the first clear night without high winds within each window. The final decision if it’s GO or NO-GO is made two hours before sunset. We then let everyone know the status in a variety of ways:
- By Web: visit our Astronomy website at www.telescopes.ca and look for the It’s A Go announcement on the home page
- By Phone: Call our Observing Hotline at (416) 787-4581 and press 6 for a recorded message
- By Email: a notification email is sent out to our observing session mailing list – email us at observing@telescopes.ca and we’ll add you to the list
- On Facebook: join our Cosmic Connections Observing Group on Facebook or Like the EfstonScience Facebook Page – we’ll post updates to both
- On Twitter: follow us on Twitter for instant updates
Where is it?
The EfstonScience Cosmic Connections Rural Observing Site is now located at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, about an hour Northwest of Toronto. For maps and driving directions, refer to How to Get to Our Site.
Shoot The Moon Urban Observing Series will take place once a month on the night of the full moon, weather permitting. We are still finalizing access to our ideal location in the GTA; check the EfstonScience Astronomy Blog, our Observing Group or Facebook Page for updates, or send an email to observing@telescopes.ca and we’ll let you know when we have the details.
Is there other stuff I should know?
Most people bring their own telescopes or binoculars to share the experience with friends and fellow astronomy enthusiasts. Telescope owners arrive at around the time of sunset to take advantage of the fading twilight for set-up purposes. Binocular owners find tripods or reclining chairs with armrests very helpful. All participants should bring flashlights with red lens covers, and dress for 10° less than the expected minimum temperature.
SOME ETIQUETTE: If you arrive after dark, to be considerate of people already set up whose eyes have already adjusted to the dark, please try to reduce the intensity of your automobile’s headlights (please use daytime running lights only), and/or limit the amount of time you drive through the site with your automobile’s headlights on (without foregoing safety, of course!).
PARKING: Please park your vehicle perpendicular to the parking lot to maximize space. Be considerate and don’t crowd the entrance of the parking lot with your vehicle – drive in as far as possible.
NO PETS: Although we’re animal lovers, we ask you not to bring your dog (or cat) to the observing sessions.
Remember that those with telescopes are here to observe, so please do not disturb them or touch any equipment without permission. Please be respectful of the property and do not litter. To prevent fire of brush, trees, etc., dispose of cigarettes safely in an appropriate receptacle (ash tray, can, etc.). Please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the conservation area.
Please note: EfstonScience has acquired use of these sites through legal permit, valid for our entire observing season. It is for the exclusive use of EfstonScience and its guests, for each scheduled observing session. Our goal is to make the observing sessions as pleasurable as possible for all.
Disclaimer: EfstonScience is not liable for personal injury and loss, theft, or damage to personal property.
Thank you for your co-operation!
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