The Calgary Astronomy Meetup Group

This event is FREE, but requires registration: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/glenbowranch/shop/activities/6472550
More information: https://grpf.ca/events/december-park-talk/

This talk links physics and astronomy with our physiological and emotional wellbeing. As our planet moves in its orbit around the Sun, its daily spin imparts an angular momentum that locks the rotational axis in orientation, regardless of where we are in our orbit. As a consequence of this, the Earth experiences seasons that drive an annual rhythm to our lives. In Winter, we experience shorter days and longer nights, and as a species we undergo hormonal changes. We respond to the longer nights with distinct social conventions, many centered around night, darkness and special glimpses of sunlight.

Bio: Roland Dechesne, FRASC*, is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Light Pollution Abatement Committee (RASC LPA Committee) as well as a Past President of the Calgary Centre of the RASC and an amateur astronomer with over 40 years’ experience. He has been a popularizer of astronomy to the public for much of that time. His interests are astrophotography, meteorites and light pollution abatement. He ‘moonlights’ as an oil and gas geologist during the day. He was recently honoured by having asteroid #10087 named for him.

*Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

This event is FREE, but requires registration: https://thevaultonline.ca/products/winter-solstice-fri-dec-19th-7pm-upper-level-of-the-vault-speaker-series
Event venue is in downtown Strathmore and is NOT wheelchair accessible.

This talk links physics and astronomy with our physiological and emotional wellbeing. As our planet moves in its orbit around the Sun, its daily spin imparts an angular momentum that locks the rotational axis in orientation, regardless of where we are in our orbit. As a consequence of this, the Earth experiences seasons that drive an annual rhythm to our lives. In Winter, we experience shorter days and longer nights, and as a species we undergo hormonal changes. We respond to the longer nights with distinct social conventions, many centered around night, darkness and special glimpses of sunlight.

Bio: Roland Dechesne, FRASC*, is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Light Pollution Abatement Committee (RASC LPA Committee) as well as a Past President of the Calgary Centre of the RASC and an amateur astronomer with over 40 years’ experience. He has been a popularizer of astronomy to the public for much of that time. His interests are astrophotography, meteorites and light pollution abatement. He ‘moonlights’ as an oil and gas geologist during the day. He was recently honoured by having asteroid #10087 named for him.

*Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

Cost: Free! Just register here so we know how many people to expect: https://www.davisburg.ca/index.php/events/community-events

Location is NE of Okotoks' north access and EAST of Highway 2 just off secondary highway 552.

More Information: https://www.davisburg.ca/index.php/events/events-calendar/star-gazing-with-rasc

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) – Calgary Centre is teaming up with the Davisburg Community Association to bring the cosmos right to our backyard.
Davisburg Community Hall
Saturday, December 27, 2025
6:45 – 9:00 PM
RASC members will be on site with real telescopes for an up-close look at the night sky. While we wait for the stars to shine, enjoy a short, family-friendly presentation about the wonders above. Plus, the inflatable planetarium will be inside the hall for an immersive experience learning about constellations!
We’ll keep things cozy with hot chocolate and (weather permitting) a crackling bonfire ? so grab your mittens, bring the family, and come enjoy some post-Christmas sparkle with your neighbours!