The Education and Outreach Committee’s purpose is to oversee, in accordance with the policies determined by the Board, the activities of the Society in the field of education for RASC members, Centres, and the public. The committee recommends and develops tools, materials and events for Centres to promote knowledge and understanding of astronomy in general and Canadian astronomy in particular.
The Constitution Committee is a committee of the Society that is responsible for managing changes to the Society's Constitution (By-Law #1) and making recommendations for improving the overall governance of the Society. It also advises the National Council on proposed changes to Centre constitutions. The Constitution Committee maintains the Sample Centre Bylaws which outline a recommended constitution for RASC Centres that is consistent with the Society's By-Law.
The RASC's Awards Committee is charged with reviewing nominations for the Society's major awards and making recommendations to the National Council for the presentation of these awards to their recipients. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada grants a number of awards from time to time, based on merit for research, study, writing, and service to the astronomical community.
The RASC is synonymous with both Canada and astronomy. Centres, and their individual members, enjoy many benefits and services that help to make running a local astronomy club easier to manage and more fun to participate in. In short, we help you spend more time doing astronomy and less time doing club administration.
Centre Benefits
As a Centre of the RASC your astronomy club will enjoy:
Sometimes being one-with-the-stars is what you want, but when you are looking for fellowship and camaraderie, there are meetings and other activities held by RASC Centres across the country almost every day of the week.
Use this list to see when the next Centre meeting is likely to be and then double-check for schedule changes and updates with the Centre Web site. Many Centre meetings are followed by "gastronomy" meetings at local pubs and restaurants where noted.
Many RASC Centres either sponsor or actively participate in Star Parties throughout the year. A Star Party is an overnight excursion to a suitable dark sky site where you will meet many other astronomers, have an opportunity to compare notes on equipment, listen to informative talks and share a dark sky experience. Star party locations are chosen for dark skies and usually offer camping accommodations.
The Simon Newcomb Award is intended to encourage members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to write on the topic of astronomy for the Society or the general public, and to recognize the best published works through an annual award.
Established in 2008, this award is to be given at the President's discretion, usually once a year, to a member who has made an important contribution to the Society, and to be presented by the President either at the General Assembly or during a visit by the President to the home Centre of the recipient.
The Simon Newcomb Award is intended to encourage members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to write on the topic of astronomy for the Society or the general public, and to recognize the best published works through an annual award.
