This low-angle self-portrait of NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover shows the vehicle at the site from which it reached down to drill into a rock target called “Buckskin” on lower Mount Sharp. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS More info on this image NASA’s Curiosity rover has found new evidence preserved in rocks on Mars that suggests the planet could have supported ancient life, as well as new evidence in the Martian atmosphere that relates to the search for current life on the Red Planet. While not necessarily evidence of life itself, these findings are a good sign for future missions exploring the planet’s surface and subsurface. The new findingsRead More →

On October 16, 2017, the the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Virgo Collaboration, and its partners announced the first observation of gravitational-waves from a pair of inspiraling neutron stars. Electromagnetic emission from the resulting collision was also observed in multiple wavelength bands. This occured on August 17, 2017 and represents the first time a cosmic event was observed with both gravitational waves and light.   First Optical Photons from Gravitational-Wave Source. Swope and Magellan telescope optical and near-infrared images of the first optical counterpart to a gravitational-wave source, SSS17a, in its galaxy, NGC 4993. The left image is from August 17, 2017, 11 hours after the LIGO-Virgo detectionRead More →

Proposed Hyperloop Route Between Toronto and Montreal! In 2012, SpaceX founder Elon Musk unveiled his idea for what he called the “fifth mode of transportation”. Known as the Hyperloop, his proposal called for the creation of a high-speed mass transit system where aluminum pod cars traveled through a low-pressure steel tube. This system, he claimed, would be able to whisk passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles in just 35 minutes. Since that time, many companies have emerged that are dedicated to making this proposal a reality, which include the Los Angeles-based company known as Hyperloop One. Back in 2016, this company launched the HyperloopRead More →

We are a Friendly group of people with a common interest in Stars. Planets and other celestial bodies. Most of all we like sharing our knowledge with fellow Amateur Astronomers, skill levels vary from absolute beginner to seasoned Amateur. Everyone is encouraged to participate in talks about their chosen field in interest. We would strongly encourage people to come along to the society, regardless of equipment level where the group can assist in getting the most out of what you have, or advise on what equipment may suit your interest / needs. The society has several telescopes & mounts that on request may be loanedRead More →