INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

The David Dunlap Observatory is open to the public on Wednesday mornings throughout the year and on scheduled Saturday evenings from April to October. There is no charge but reservations for individuals or groups are required. The entrance is from Hillsview Drive which runs east from Yonge Street to Bayview about a mile south of Richmond Hill. The Observatory is a centre for research in astronomy and astrophysics in the University of Toronto.

 

WEDNESDAYS

On each Wednesday morning throughout the year a tour is scheduled primarily for school groups. It begins at 10:00 a.m. and usually lasts an hour. Following a lecture and discussion session, the 74-inch telescope is shown and explained. However, no celestial objects can be Seen. Requests for reservations must be made as far in advance as possible. Telephone 884-2112, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

SATURDAYS

On scheduled Saturdays there will be two demonstrations of the great telescope promptly at the hours shown on the Schedule of Dates and Times. Attendance at each will be limited to 80 persons, and reservations up to this number will be accepted. Visits are not scheduled on holiday week-ends. If the sky is reasonably clear, several telescopes will be used to show a selection of celestial objects. The 74-inch telescope will be used whenever possible, but it should be borne in mind that the more interesting objects are often better seen with the smaller telescopes, and in fact the large telescope cannot be set on objects which are low in the sky.

 

Members of the Toronto Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will assist the Observatory staff, using telescopes which they have made themselves. They will be pleased to discuss their hobby with interested visitors.

 

In cloudy weather the large telescope will be demonstrated and as a general rule a brief illustrated lecture will be given or a film will be shown. Please note that visitors who have made reservations are expected to come regardless of the weather.

To make reservations, telephone the Observatory in Richmond Hill 884-2112, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Group reservations should be made well in advance. Groups larger than 30 cannot be accommodated at anyone demonstration. This maximum number is reduced to 20 for children under 15 years of age, and a sufficient number of adults must be present to supervise such a group.

 

We hope you enjoy your visit.