Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

Meet Dr. Phil Langill!

Dr. Phil Langill is a Calgarian, a UCalgary Associate Professor in Teaching, and co-Director of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. He did Nuclear Physics (MSc) at the University of Alberta and Astrophysics (BSc and PhD) at UCalgary. He advocates for Naturally Dark Skies at night initially motivated by his scientific astronomical pursuits. The motivation now is his concern over the harm being done to the Natural World (mammals and insects and plants) and the erosion of human cultural connection to the stars, due to the overuse of artificial light at night. If the skies are clear he is running RAO telescopes and if skies are cloudy he is crunching data – all with the goal of teaching students the nuts and bolts of astrophysics.

Curious about what’s happening in the sky this June? Look no further!

June is packed with cool astronomical events. On June 9th, check out the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter!

Want more than just two planets? Lucky for you, there will be a mini planet parade on June 11th with Mercury entering the ring! You’ll be able to see all three planets after sunset.

Can’t stay up late? Want something you can see during the day? On June 17th, there will be a Lunar occultation of Venus. You’ll be able to see Venus during the day (with binoculars or a telescope) as it disappears and then reappears from behind the moon.

Safety warning: This event will take place around noon. Please exercise safe viewing practices and never look at or around the Sun without proper solar protection.

To top it off, the Summer Solstice is coming up on June 21st! Here is to the longest day of the year!

June is going to be super exciting. Need help or have questions on how to view these events? Send us a DM or email us at [email protected].

Meet Ruhee!

Ruhee Janmohamed is an astronomer, researcher, and science educator from Victoria, BC. She holds a degree in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Victoria, where she contributed to research on exoplanets and protostellar outflows. Ruhee has been involved in science communication and outreach since 2017, including running public programs as the Education Leadership Coordinator at the Centre of the Universe, where she created astronomy programming for learners of all ages. She is currently now at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory as the new Engagement Coordinator! Her passion lies in connecting people to the cosmos through curiosity, wonder, and inclusive science storytelling.

Outside of science education, you can find her in a book, playing the newest RPG game or out in the sun!

We have been shaking it up at the RAO!

Meet Dr. Matt Taylor, co-director of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory.

Originally from Vancouver Island, Dr. Matthew (Matt) Taylor is an Assistant Professor of Astronomy and co-Director of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. He did his BSc work at the University of Victoria before earning his PhD in Astrophysics from Universidad Católica de Chile, and held further academic positions at Gemini North Observatory, and the Herzberg Astrophysics Research Centre. Prior to studying astrophysics, Matt spent several years training as a professional chef and still enjoys cooking to this day. When the weather is nice, he loves getting outdoors as often as possible and has completed several extensive backpacking treks including the Torres del Paine ‘O’ Circuit in Patagonia, as well as the West Coast Trail. When the weather is not so nice, Matt enjoys choosing a tabletop game from his collection and getting it to the table.

Stay tuned to learn about the rest of our team!

Lights off. Stars on.

It’s International Dark Sky Week. Even just outside Calgary, light pollution makes a difference in what we can see.

Head a little farther from the city, give your eyes time to adjust, and look up. There’s more there than you think.

From Jennifer Howse, “Protect the Wilderness of the Night Sky.”

Astronomers find galactic 'monsters' in unexpected places using James Webb Telescope

Astronomers find galactic 'monsters' in unexpected places using James Webb Telescope UCalgary researchers are part of a Canadian-led Cycle 1 observing program

Ask an Astronomer - March: Daylight Saving Time, Project Hail Mary, Black Holes and more! Gina Martin sits down with Dr. Phil Langill with the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and Earth and space science educator Dr. Stephen Jeans.0:00 - Intro2:5...