STARGAZING

lpea-observatory-stargazing021 You will have the opportunity to view planets, nebulas and distant galaxies. Learn about the origins of the galaxy using our hands-on telescope training.  We run night tours every Friday and Saturday that start at 10:00 p.m.

THE OBSERVATORY

Your experience will begin with an orientation to the stars! Ever wonder how to find key constellations? Our experienced guide will give you an overview of the heavens both from our observing deck using lasers and binoculars and then you will move into our observatory where you will have the opportunity to view planets, nebulas and distant galaxies. Learn about the origins of the galaxy with hands on telescope experience. We run night tours that start at 10:00 p.m. and run approximately 1½ hours.

The Long Point Observatory will allow you to see a multitude of cosmic sights, including:

* the ammonia cloud belts of Jupiter, as well as the four largest moons of the giant planet
* the rings of Saturn and half a dozen of the planet's moons
* galaxies of billions of stars up to 100 million light-years away
* tattered remains of stars that long ago exploded in the violence of a supernova
* "celestial maternity wards" such as the Orion Nebula, where newborn stars illuminate a 25-light-year-wide dust and gas cloud
* moon craters that will appear as close as the astronauts saw them prior to their landing
* clusters of a million stars that date back to the formation of the Milky Way galaxy

The observation deck also permits unobstructed viewing of the entire sky for constellation and planet identification. "This new observatory offers the visitor a complete astronomy experience unlike anything previously available in Ontario.

THE OBSERVATION DECK

The observing deck is located over 3 stories in the air and overlooks Long Point Bay. This deck permits unobstructed viewing of the entire sky for constellation and planet identification. "This new observatory offers the visitor a complete astronomy experience unlike anything previously available in Ontario. Lasers are used to help identify objects in the sky.

 

See unforgettable sights during stargazing tours! Individuals, groups and families welcome.

lpea-observatory-stargazing016

WHAT TO BRING - STARGAZING

The actual observatory and class room are both indoors. The connecting tower is outdoors so proper dress for the day's weather. As the steps to the observatory are outside and at the edge of a ravine/woods we suggest you wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Weather can change quickly so we suggest you dress in layers.

ALSO NOTE THAT THE OBSERVATORY WITH THE TELESCOPE IS NOT HEATED.

  • This is to keep the telescope from fogging up when exposed to the outdoor air.
  • Closed toe shoes (Running shoes) or hiking boots for the trails around the site
  • Flashlight for around the site
  • Sunscreen and bug repellent
  • A Camera