If you’ve ever wondered what exists outside of our universe, then perhaps you should visit the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill and sign up for one of their many in-person or virtual experiences.
Opened in 1935, it was owned and operated by the University of Toronto until 2008. It was then acquired by the city of Richmond Hill, which provides a combination of heritage preservation, unique recreation opportunities and a celebration of the astronomical history of the site. Its primary instrument is a 74-inch (1.88 m) reflector telescope, at one time the second-largest telescope in the world, and still the largest in Canada.
The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) is located at 123A Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill. To secure tickets, please visit click here.
Virtual:
Out of this World: The Solar System
Monday, March 14, 2022 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Join the David Dunlap Observatory from the comfort of your home with our family friendly Spring Break virtual programming! The Solar System with all its planets, moons, and asteroids are all around us! We will provide a tour of our Solar System and share fun stories about each planetary body in our cosmic neighbourhood. Participants will get the chance to paint and design their own planets with materials they have available to them at home: 8-10 Styrofoam balls or round objects, coloring materials (acrylic paint, markers, crayons, etc.), glue, and bristol board.
Only one registration per household is required. Prior to the start of the program you will be emailed information on the virtual program links and any other information relating to your program.
Who can attend: Ages 3 and up
Fee: $12.50Sun Fun!
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 – 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Thursday, March 17, 2022 – 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Join the David Dunlap Observatory from the comfort of your home with our family friendly March Break virtual programming! Learn about the sun and practice safe solar observing! In this interactive virtual session, participants will see live and pre-recorded telescope views of the solar surface, learn about our nearest star, and practice safe solar observing by making their own pinhole projector. Supplies needed (per participant): One large cereal box (or similar), Aluminum foil, One thumb tack or pin, tape, and scissors. Adults are required to help and supervise children too young to use sharp tools (scissors, tacks) alone.
Only one registration per household is required. Prior to the start of the program you will be emailed information on the virtual program links and any other information relating to your program.
Who can attend: Ages 3 and up
Fee: $10.00
Sunday Sungazing
Sunday, March 27, 2022 – 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Safely observe the sun with us, from the comfort of your home! During these family-friendly sessions, a DDO Astronomer will answer your questions about our closest star: the sun! Learn how the sun works and how it affects our home planet. Live-streamed views of the sun through small telescopes will be included, weather permitting.
Only one registration per household is required. Deadline to register for this program is Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 3:00pm. Prior to the start of the program you will be emailed information on the virtual program links and any specific information relating to your program.
Who can attend: Ages 6 and up
Fee: $6.78
In person
Space Fun
Come out and use your imagination to experience space and all the wonders it has to offer. Through crafts, games, stories and songs about the seasons and nighttime sky, your child’s creativity will run wild. All activities will be held in the Administration Building. Adult participation is required. COVID protocols will be in place.
Who can attend: Ages 3 to 7
Fee: $16
Cosmic Detectives
Learn how to navigate the nighttime sky to discover its hidden treasures. This program teaches participants to recognize the major constellations in the nighttime sky and know the locations and stories behind some of the
universe’s most dreamlike objects, such as black holes, nebulae, galaxies and globular star clusters. We will show the nighttime sky using a powerful simulation program and participants will be encouraged to find the stars and galaxies.
Who can attend: 12 to 17
Fee: 12 – 14 years old – $21
15 to 17 years old – $23.73
