Upcoming Events
MORE EVENTS TO BE ADDED - CHECK BACK HERE NEXT MONTH OR SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Star Wars Day
Beam on down to Vulcan County and visit the Big Sky Observatory on Star Wars Day. We will take you on a tour of the night sky using our green lightsaber. You will also have the opportunity to look through the observatory telescope and view Venus and Jupiter.
This is a public event and there is no charge for admission, although donations are always appreciated. We strongly encourage you to arrive before dark because it's difficult to find the observatory after dark, especially if you have never been there before. Please be sure to bring along a flashlight and warm clothing. Please note that the Big Sky Observatory does not have a washroom. However, there is a very basic washroom facility located about 200 metres away, next to the campground. Please note that all visitors to the Big Sky Observatory use the site AT THEIR OWN RISK. The utmost care should be exercised at all times while you walk around the site, particularly at night. All visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight and arrive before sunset so that they can familiarize themselves with the site before dark. You may be asked to sign a waiver upon arrival. The Big Sky Astronomical Society, its Officers and Directors, and its Members and Volunteers, will NOT be held responsible for injuries or accidents that may occur while you are visiting the site. 
Summer of Mars Event
This is a public event and there is no charge for admission, although donations are always appreciated. Please note that all visitors to the Big Sky Observatory use the site AT THEIR OWN RISK. The utmost care should be exercised at all times while you walk around the site, particularly at night. All visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive before sunset and to bring along a flashlight. Upon arrival, please familiarize yourself with the site before it gets dark. Please be aware that it's difficult to find the observatory after dark, especially if you have never been there before.
In addition to a flashlight, we advise you to bring along warm clothing. If you are coming to visit between May and September, you may also want to bring along some bug spray. Please do not apply bug spray when you are standing near any astronomical equipment. Other items that you may want to bring include; binoculars, a camera, a small telescope, glow sticks, and a lawn chair. If you plan to sit on the ground, you will want to bring some warm blankets. Please note that the Big Sky Observatory does not have a washroom. However, there is a very basic washroom facility located about 200 metres away, in the day-use area. Visitors may be asked to sign a waiver while visiting the Big Sky Observatory. The Big Sky Astronomical Society, its Officers and Directors, and its Members and Volunteers, will NOT be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur while you are visiting the Big Sky Observatory. 
15th Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Event
This is a public event and there is no charge for admission, although donations are always appreciated. Please note that all visitors to the Big Sky Observatory use the site AT THEIR OWN RISK. The utmost care should be exercised at all times while you walk around the site, particularly at night. All visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive before sunset and to bring along a flashlight. Upon arrival, please familiarize yourself with the site before it gets dark. Please be aware that it's difficult to find the observatory after dark, especially if you have never been there before.
In addition to a flashlight, we advise you to bring along warm clothing. If you are coming to visit between May and September, you may also want to bring along some bug spray. Please do not apply bug spray when you are standing near any astronomical equipment. Other items that you may want to bring include; binoculars, a camera, a small telescope, glow sticks, and a lawn chair. If you plan to sit on the ground, you will want to bring some warm blankets. Please note that the Big Sky Observatory does not have a washroom. However, there is a very basic washroom facility located about 200 metres away, in the day-use area. Visitors may be asked to sign a waiver while visiting the Big Sky Observatory. The Big Sky Astronomical Society, its Officers and Directors, and its Members and Volunteers, will NOT be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur while you are visiting the Big Sky Observatory. The Twin Valley Dam Campground is NOT in operation this year, unlike in past years, and so their is an important change that you need to know regarding parking. This year, the gate leading down to the Day Use Area is locked and so only the small parking lot (located near the locked gate) is available to visitors. Also, you will now have to walk about 200 metres to get to the Big Sky Observatory. We apologize for this inconvenience and we are working with the Government of Alberta to resolve this problem, although we are not expecting the problem to be resolved until September 2018 or later.
Astronomy Day
Astronomy Day is a world-wide event celebrated twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. On this day, the general public is given an opportunity to look through a telescope from an easily accessible location, such as a local park or shopping mall. The goal of this day is to give the general public a chance to interact with astronomers and to learn more about astronomy.
The Big Sky Astronomical Society will be setting up a telescope in Calgary on Astronomy Day to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of astronomy. The exact location has yet to be determined, but this information will be posted here when it becomes available. 
Total Solar Eclipse and Retirement Party
Yes, we really do mean 2044, that's not a typo!
Come join us for the first total solar eclipse visible from the Big Sky Observatory. The excitement begins at 6:44 PM as the Moon begins to pass in front of the Sun. About an hour later, at approximately 7:40 PM, you will be standing in the shadow of the Moon. Totality will only last for one-minute and forty-five seconds, but it will be spectacular!
If you happen to miss this total solar eclipse, the next one visible from the Big Sky Observatory will not occur until September 14, 2099.
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