Read more: Stargazing in the Skagit

Let’s rediscover the night sky through the eyes of astronomers!

​​​​​

Join Hope Mountain Centre & the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to experience the magic of the “Dark Sky Highway.”

The evening will include an “Intro the Beginners Astronomy” presentation, build your own star wheel activity, a presentation about light pollution abatement, and hands-on telescope observation!

​

Price Includes:

​

• Two presentations by the Royal Astronomical Society of Vancouver: “Introduction to Beginners Astronomy” & “Light Pollution Abatement”

• Building your own star wheel to take home

• Use of telescopes and instruction on use

• Hot chocolate and apple cider

Physical Demand: 

Easy. The hands-on activity will take place at the field beside the Sunshine Valley RV Resort. No hiking involved. 

Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless we determine that it will affect the safety of participants.

Itinerary:

Friday, January 31, 2025

7:00 PM: Check-in at the Great Room at the Sunshine Valley RV Resort (14850 Alpine Blvd, Hope, BC) MAP7: 15 PM: 

• Watch Intro to Beginners Astronomy presentation from our guest speakers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)

• Build star wheels with the RASC volunteers

• Light Pollution Abatement presentation

8:15 PM: Head outside to learn how to use the telescopes9:45PM: We will take a few moments to share what we learned and enjoyed about the evening with our guest speakers from RASC

Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary depending on the speed of the group, weather conditions, etc.

What to bring:

Whenever you are outside in nature, you should always carry The Essentials

At a minimum, participants will need the following for this outing:

Required Gear

• Headlamp (with red light if possible!)

• A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp

• Water (at least 1 litre per person)

• Waterproof footwear with good grip

• Warm winter clothes (no cotton as the first layer against your skin), including jacket, thing, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks

Meet Your Guides

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 

​​Founded in 1868, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is Canada's leading astronomy organization, bringing together over 5,000 enthusiastic amateurs, educators, and professionals. www.rasc.ca

​

Guest Speakers: 

• Leigh Cummings - RASC Vancouver and LPA Chair

• Gordon Bosch - RASC Vancouver and Councillor At Large

• Norm Taylor - RASC Fraser Valley

​

Meg Turner, Program Director

Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you.