Space Camp Saturday: Radio Astronomy
About this Event
Space Camp Saturday – Monthly Exploration for the Whole Family
Join us every last Saturday of the month for Space Camp Saturday, a hands-on boot camp into hot topics in space science. Each month brings a new theme—from space exploration to special relativity—led by special guests from the UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy. Families can enjoy interactive talks, demos, and activities designed to spark curiosity (recommended ages 10+).
Space Camp Saturday is FREE FOR MEMBERS! Register here: https://go.spacecentre.ca/9C6Ic1
August: Radio Astronomy
Space Camp Saturday is back in August with an exciting topic: Radio Astronomy! Join us on Saturday, August 29 from 1:30–5:00PM at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre for an afternoon of discovery.
First, watch our immersive planetarium show - Big Astronomy
Be transported to the remote mountains of Chile to explore cutting-edge telescopes and meet the people who keep them running day and night to unlock the secrets of the universe.
Then continue with our feature talk - Looking Through: Mapping the Last 13 Billion Years to See the First 400,000
The cosmic microwave background is a snapshot of the universe just 400,000 years after the Big Bang. To study it, astronomers must first account for the Milky Way’s radio and microwave emission. This talk explores how mapping our Galaxy reveals cosmic rays, ionized gas, interstellar dust, and unexpected signals helping us better understand both the Milky Way and the early universe.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Thomas J. Rennie is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia, where he specialises in analysing and interpreting radio maps of the Milky Way. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Manchester (UK), Dr. Rennie joined UBC to work on the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project, which focuses on a new telescope being built at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. CGEM maps will play a key role in a global effort to further our understanding of our Galaxy and to look deeper and reveal the echo of the Big Bang (the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB) and probe the very earliest moments in the history of the universe.
Finally, end with a scavenger hunt! Explore the Cosmic Courtyard while guided by the scavenger hunt. Complete it for a pin and certificate!
This is your chance to explore the universe's evolution through a fun, family-friendly environment, perfect for budding astronomers and space enthusiasts (recommended ages 10+).
Space Camp Saturday is FREE FOR MEMBERS! Register here:
https://go.spacecentre.ca/9C6Ic1
Agenda
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Planetarium Film: Big Astronomy
Info: Be transported to the remote mountains of Chile to explore cutting-edge telescopes and meet the people who keep them running day and night to unlock the secrets of the universe.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Feature Talk: Looking Through: Mapping the Last 13 Billion Years
Host: Dr. Thomas J. Rennie
Info: The cosmic microwave background is a snapshot of the universe just 400,000 years after the Big Bang. To study it, astronomers must first account for the Milky Way s radio and microwave emission. This talk explores how mapping our Galaxy reveals cosmic rays, ionized gas, interstellar dust, and unexpected signals helping us better understand both the Milky Way and the early universe.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt around the Space Centre
Info: Follow along and complete tasks from our activity guide specially curated for this event to take you on a journey of exploration and learning! Collect your certificate at the end of the adventure!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 10.00 to CAD 300.00
