What we’re about
This page is owned and managed by the Vancouver Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). All RASC lectures and observing events are open to the public, family friendly, and there is no charge for admission. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers who love astronomy and astrophysics.
Whether you're a complete beginner, a seasoned astronomer, or you hope to work for NASA some day, anyone fascinated by space exploration is welcome and will enjoy our events. Membership requests MUST INCLUDE a recent and clear headshot. This is part of our safety policy so that we can recognize our members at events.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting (In person at SFU on-line zoom optional)Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
Join us for our monthly meeting. All of our monthly meetings are free and open to the public.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89921464207?pwd=ZgZSdQV5VGiveIZPQ1m2txEKVhZnu2.1Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149
Topic: The Science of the Aurora (and how YOU can help)!
Speaker: Vincent "The Aurora Guy" Ledvina
Bio: Vincent Ledvina is a Space Physics Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, but you may also know him as "The Aurora Guy." Aside from researching what causes elusive "auroral beads," Vincent is passionate about sharing his love for the northern lights with others. Part of this work involves leveraging citizen science data from aurora chasers who can provide valuable insights into how particularly rare auroras are created. Vincent also runs aurora photography workshops in Fairbanks and is a professional photographer. Outside of Alaska, Vincent is spending his second year with the Aerospace Corporation's Space Sciences Applications Lab in El Segundo, CA as an intern. At Aerospace, Vincent is focusing on his Thesis work as well as investigating the effects of aurora on the electronics of low-flying spacecraft.
Abstract: Solar maximum and aurora season are here! This year, we will be experiencing the most active Sun in twenty years which means more chances of seeing gorgeous auroral displays. Recent severe space weather has driven views of the aurora to low latitudes, and more intense activity may be right around the corner. In this presentation, you will learn everything you need to become an aurora chaser, the exciting frontier of northern lights science, and how YOU can help.
About our Events:
All RASC lectures and observing events are open to the public, family friendly, and there is no charge for admission. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers who love astronomy and astrophysics. Whether you're a complete beginner, a seasoned astronomer, or you hope to work for NASA some day, anyone fascinated by space exploration is welcome and will enjoy our events
- RASC Vancouver Special Meeting (In person at SFU, online Zoom optional)Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
Join us for a special meeting! All of our monthly meetings are free and open to the public.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89921464207?pwd=ZgZSdQV5VGiveIZPQ1m2txEKVhZnu2.1Location: Simon Fraser University Burnaby Room AQ3149
Topic: Exploring the Cosmos: 40 Years of SETI Research
Speaker: Dr. Franck Marchis
Bio: Dr. Franck Marchis is a senior astronomer and director of citizen science at the SETI Institute and Chief Science Officer and co-founder at Unistellar. Marchis moved to the United States in Oct. 2000 shortly after getting a Ph.D. from the University of Toulouse in France that he acquired while traveling around the world for his research and for the sake of exploration. He is known for astronomical research published in Nature, Science, and other high-ranking journals, including discovery of the first triple-asteroid system in 2005, study of the binary trojan asteroid Patroclus in 2006, direct imaging of the first Jupiter-like exoplanet in 2015, and significant achievements related to the use of 8-10m class ground-based telescopes equipped with adaptive optics (AO). Marchis is also involved in startups focused on science outreach and astronomy, and joined Unistellar as a Chief Scientific Officer and VR2Planets as a scientific advisor in 2017. In 2022, he founded Dope Space, a company dedicated to outreach, entertainment, and education for the New Space industry.
Marchis is a member of numerous science committees, including the GPI steering Committee, the TMT Science Definition Team, the Frontiers editorial board, the Project Blue Advisory board, and, since Oct. 2019, has been a member of the IAA SETI Permanent Committee. He has co-authored more than 400 scientific publications, trained numerous students, and served as a science consultant and interviewee for documentaries and movies in English, French, and Spanish. The asteroid (6639) was named Marchis in honor of his discovery of the first triple-asteroid system. In 2023, he became a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences in recognition for his work in outreach and the search for life in the Universe.
Abstract: For millennia, humans have gazed at the stars, wondering if we are alone in the universe. Forty years ago, this age-old question took a scientific turn with the establishment of the SETI Institute. Franck Marchis, Senior Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the Institute, will provide an engaging update on the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This presentation will cover the innovative methods and technologies currently in use, along with highlighting significant recent findings. While definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life remains elusive, our understanding has expanded dramatically.
Join us as we explore the potential of discovering an inhabited exoplanet in the next decade, a discovery that could fundamentally alter our view of the universe and our place within it.
About our Events:
All RASC lectures and observing events are open to the public, family friendly, and there is no charge for admission. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers who love astronomy and astrophysics. Whether you're a complete beginner, a seasoned astronomer, or you hope to work for NASA some day, anyone fascinated by space exploration is welcome and will enjoy our events
