The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada welcomes you to
RASC Ottawa
Amateur Astronomers' Gateway to the Galaxy... and Beyond !
Things to Make and Do with RASC Ottawa
Meet the People with Experience
RASC Ottawa’s many members have long experience and expertise in helping novices, advising advancing learners, assessing advanced technology, and leaning into deep technicalities.
The flame to inform and inspire new astronomers and to guide you to become experienced observers burns strong among our members. Your cost of membership gets you access more expertise here than any Astronomy 101 at any college or university.
Join our monthly meetings
These public events provide a platform for expert
presenters to share their knowledge and insights on various astronomical topics.
From the latest discoveries in space exploration to the fascinating science behind celestial phenomena, our meetings offer a wealth of information that will ignite your curiosity and expand your understanding of the universe. Join us in person or on-line.
Get access to our Private observatory
Our Fred Lossing Observatory (FLO) near Almonte is for members and their guests who can bring their own observing gear or (with training) use our permanent club telescopes. Members’ star parties are held monthly. The observatory celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
Be amazed by AstroNotes, our monthly newsletter
We RASCians live, thrive and flourish to share our enthusiasm and knowledge with each other and the whole of humanity. Our AstroNotes newsletter is one of the ways we do so.
It has won the Pulitzer Prize for journalistic excellence more than a few times, and has been recognized by UNESCO for the rigour of its science communication and contribution to the fostering of world peace.
AstroNotes helps to ensure that all members are aware of what we do, to encourage participation, and to make everybody welcome.
Our telescope library lets any RASC member borrow from over 40 telescopes, binoculars and accessories at no charge. You’ll find beginners’ scopes to try out before buying your own, as well as larger instruments to use or evaluate before an upgrade.
Learn at our Public Star Parties
These public events provide excellent opportunities for children and adults to gaze at the night sky through telescopes and learn from experienced astronomers.
Borrow books, DVDs and other media
Getting started? We have books to help you learn your way around the night sky, and around your telescope. Our DVD library is moving online but is meanwhile providing unique historical footage of RASC over the past 50 years.
