Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

Our first public star party of 2026 was a success! People viewed Jupiter and the Galilean moons, the Moon, and even a nebula over on the smart scope screen. Plus it was a beautiful evening, so it was a hit all around.

Be sure to follow us and The Riverwood Conservancy to stay informed about all of our public events.

Thanks to Randy Attwood for the photo of the crowd here to listen to Robert Thirsk.

Starting in just a moment: 3001 Orbits: A Space Odyssey - In Conversation with Astronaut Robert Thirsk. Here is our guest, Dr. Robert Thirsk, with our National Council Representative, Randy Attwood.

Be sure to check the link for updates! The room has been changed due to high demand! https://mississauga.rasc.ca/event/speaker-night-may-2026-dr-robert-thirsk/

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk takes you inside his unforgettable six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. From the adrenaline-filled launch aboard a Soyuz rocket to his time in orbit—including his experience aboard a space shuttle—and the thrilling, fast-paced return to Earth, Bob shares vivid, firsthand stories that bring space travel to life.

Go beyond the headlines as he reveals what it’s really like to live and work in orbit—how astronauts eat, sleep, and adapt to microgravity, and the fascinating mix of science, teamwork, and daily routines that define life on the Space Station.

Whether you’re curious about space, science, or human resilience, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has truly lived among the stars.

Register now to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration: https://utm.alumni.utoronto.ca/event/AstronautRobertThirsk/register

Additional info: https://mississauga.rasc.ca/event/speaker-night-may-2026-dr-robert-thirsk/

We revamped our FAQ to be even more useful. Whether you're a member or just curious, this is for you! https://mississauga.rasc.ca/faq/

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk takes you inside his unforgettable six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. From the adrenaline-filled launch aboard a Soyuz rocket to his time in orbit—including his experience aboard a space shuttle—and the thrilling, fast-paced return to Earth, Bob shares vivid, firsthand stories that bring space travel to life.

Go beyond the headlines as he reveals what it’s really like to live and work in orbit—how astronauts eat, sleep, and adapt to microgravity, and the fascinating mix of science, teamwork, and daily routines that define life on the Space Station.

Whether you’re curious about space, science, or human resilience, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has truly lived among the stars.

Register now to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration: https://utm.alumni.utoronto.ca/event/AstronautRobertThirsk/register

Additional info: https://mississauga.rasc.ca/event/speaker-night-may-2026-dr-robert-thirsk/

Did you see the recent images of NASA's new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST)? It isn't launching until September (projected) but the picture is exciting!

The RST is calibrated to capture images of the universe in both visible and near-infrared light, which differentiates it from JWST and Hubble. It will rapidly increase the data available to scientists -- and the public too.

Here is the link to the live stream panel discussion and press conference from the unveiling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX4f6dOoi08

(Image courtesy of NASA / Jolearra Tsh*teya)

Bruce Waters gave an excellent talk last night about collaboration, from people, to agencies, and even across borders. It was a rich, thoughtful approach to astronomy and education. Members had many questions and even learned that there are almost no mosquitoes in Barbados!

Don't forget that our speaker nights are typically open to the public, so give us a follow to keep up to date.

Youth Club meeting at 7, then our amazing speaker, Bruce Waters!

Working across Organizations and Continents to Boost Astronomy Education

Full details here, including Bruce's stellar biography, parking, location, and more: https://mississauga.rasc.ca/event/speaker-night-15/

Bruce’s presentation will be on how connecting ourselves to the stars also connects us to each other and his experiences in collaborating with various institutions and, most recently, the Barbados Astronomical Society and the Harry Bayley Observatory.