Come join members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for our annual Camping and Observing Weekend (C.O.W.) at the Mactaquac Provincial Park. Our observing activities will be held in Campground #2, in the open field across the baseball diamond near the recreation centre (look for the telescopes).
This year’s C.O.W. lands on the same weekend as the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on the night of Sunday, August 12th. The Perseids will also appear during the nights preceding and following the peak, but at a lesser rate.
Several telescopes will be set-up on Friday and Saturday nights, to allow the public to view the wonders of the night sky. Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views, as we observe the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as other deep sky treasures (weather permitting).
Preceding the evening observation sessions, there will be a presentation at the Recreation Centre where you can learn about the night sky wonders that can be observed that evening.
During Saturday afternoon, drop by to take a close-up view of the sun through our safe solar-filtered telescopes. Come see the different telescopes on display and feel free to ask any questions about their use and care.
For Visitors: Visitors among the general public are welcome and encouraged to join us, but they must book their own campsites with the park if they wish to stay overnight. Visitors not camping overnight are subject to the policy of the park and campground. Park users (beach, trails, etc) will be charged the usual visitor fee. At the gate, please inform the park staff if you are participating in park activities OR visiting the astronomy event at the campground. You can reserve a campsite with the park by calling 1-506-363-4747, or by reserving online.
For RASC New Brunswick Members: If you’re a RASC NB member, please click this link to register for your spot.
Schedule
Friday, August 10
7:30PM – “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation
At the Recreation Centre
We’ll talk about the celestial objects that will be visible in the night sky and through the telescopes.
9:00PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes
(weather permitting)
Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views. Keep an eye out for the Perseid meteors!
Saturday, August 11
12:00PM to 4:00PM – Solar observing
(weather permitting)
Come take a close look at our nearest star, the sun.
12:00PM to 4:00PM – Ask an Astronomer
Come see the different telescopes on display and feel free to ask any questions about their use and care.
7:30PM – “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation
At the Recreation Centre
We’ll talk about the celestial objects that will be visible in the night sky and through the telescopes.
9:00PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes
(weather permitting)
Come look through our telescopes and enjoy the views. Keep an eye out for the Perseid meteors!
Observing Site
Our observing activities will be held in Campground #2, in the open field across the baseball diamond near the recreation centre (look for the telescopes). The presentation preceding the night sky observing will be held in the recreation centre building.
Park Location
Mactaquac Provincial Park is located along Route 105, west of Fredericton, New Brunswick.
