Only on the roof of the McLennan Physical Laboratories building can you experience something of astronomical proportion.
On the first Thursday of every month a free talk and tour is given by a PhD student or a specialist in the field of astrophysics. The 45-minute lecture on modern astrophysics begins at 9:10 p.m., followed by a public viewing through the telescope atop the McLennan Labs building.
PhD student Kaitlin Kratter has been the quick-witted lecturer for the past week, amusing the audience with knowledge and humour. “Asteroids,” she quipped one night. “Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.” Her presentation includes illustrations that highlight astronomical findings aided by satellites and attendees are able to ask questions throughout the talk.
On this particular night, the lecture hall is packed with attendees of all ages. One audience member asks, “Can a large enough asteroid cause destruction on earth?” Kratter answers that only an asteroid with the width of approximately one kilometer could cause significant destruction. A bright-eyed 10-year-old sits to the right of the hall with his father; the audience is stunned when he correctly answers a question about an asteroid’s orbit.
The large refracting telescope is the night’s highlight. Usually when the sky is clear, the state of the art facilities allow for excellent viewing of the heavens. Double stars, the moon, and even Jupiter can be seen through the telescope. When the weather is uncompromising, a virtual telescope is available as PhD students patiently answer questions, while taking viewers on a virtual tour.
People of all ages are encouraged to attend with free refreshments available. Even if you’re not into astrophysics, Thursday night astronomy tours provide a point of view any star gazer can appreciate.
