The New Brunswick Centre of the RASC is one of 30 centres belonging to Canada’s only nationwide amateur astronomy organisation: the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. We are the “little centre that does”. This reflects that, although we are a small centre, we have since our inception worked diligently to bring about the many things that have caused our group to grow in membership and accomplishment.
Our Centre was established in 2000 and since then we have continued to gradually increase our membership and expand our astronomical activities, events and projects.
The original objective of the early RASC was “…the aiding of each other in the pursuit of astronomical knowledge.” While that remains true today, the other very important objective is to “…promote astronomy to all.” The mission of the society is “to enhance understanding of and inspire curiosity about the universe, through public outreach and education…”. The N.B. Centre believes strongly in this mandate. We simply want to share our love of astronomy and the wonders of the universe. We welcome everyone who shares this interest with us.
Our centre currently enjoys a membership of 100+.
We are a diverse group, having a wide spectrum of expertise in astronomy: from beginner to expert. There is a wide range of age groups and life experiences as well.
To provide easier access to members, we hold our meetings in three cities: Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. The general meetings are open to the public, while business meetings are only for RASC members.
We provide ongoing public outreach throughout the province, by holding various observing activities and events, as well as annual star parties, plus providing speakers for presentations to groups, organisations and schools, who are interested in astronomy.
If you wish to know more about astronomy or telescopes, don’t hesitate to come to a meeting, where we’ll be happy to help. We also have mentors in all corners of the province, who can be contacted for any kind of assistance. We encourage members to support us in any way they are able: attending meetings and observing events, joining the council or a committee, or offering to give a talk at a meeting. Participating in these activities is a good way to gain experience and share your interest with others.
You don’t need expensive telescopes to enjoy astronomy. Just go outside and look up with your eyes or binoculars. Check out the Moon while sitting outside on a warm summer evening. Watch for meteors (aka “shooting stars”). Look for planet groupings called conjunctions. Go to star parties and observing events, where you can look through a club member’s telescope. Such events give you an opportunity to learn basic information, to talk astronomy with members, ask questions and check out various types of telescopes, which can help if you decide to purchase your own piece of equipment.
Astronomy is a growing and active hobby. For some it is a passion. It tells us our past and our future. If you are a member, please share your interest. If you are not a member, why not join and explore the universe with us?
June MacDonald
President, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – New Brunswick Centre
