Stargazing in the Skagit
January 31, 2025
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7pm-10pm
Where: Sunshine Valley RV Resort
Cost: $69/person
(Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian)
For more information or questions, please contact Tunde
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:
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Two presentations by the Royal Astronomical Society of Vancouver: “Introduction to Beginners Astronomy” & “Light Pollution Abatement”
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Building your own star wheel to take home
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Use of telescopes and instruction on use
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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) MAP
7: 15 PM:
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Watch Intro to Beginners Astronomy presentation from our guest speakers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)
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Build star wheels with the RASC volunteers
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Light Pollution Abatement presentation
8:15 PM: Head outside to learn how to use the telescopes
9:45PM: 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 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
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Headlamp (with red light if possible!)
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A spare set of batteries or power bank and cord for your headlamp
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Water (at least 1 litre per person)
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Waterproof footwear with good grip
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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:
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Leigh Cummings - RASC Vancouver and LPA Chair
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Gordon Bosch - RASC Vancouver and Councillor At Large
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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.
Cancellation:
Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone.
A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.
Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed.
Additional information:
Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions.
Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.
Special thanks to our sponsor(s):
Program Partner(s):
