We are proud to announce the launch of our summer science series!
Learn from our researchers at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) as they share their expertise on astronomy and technology.
When: The second Saturday of every month between April and October 2026
Time: 1 pm
Where: The Arthur Covington lecture room at the DRAO
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute Q&A
Cost: Free
Reservations: No reservations are required
Contact us
Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
Telephone: 250-497-2300
Presentation schedule
April 11, 2026
The Engineering History of the CHORD Reflector
Presented by
Gord Lacy
The Engineering History of the CHORD Reflector
The CHORD reflector telescope project started back in 2017 with the development of a small prototype for a similar project known as HIRAX. From there a series of 3 metre and 6 metre prototype were designed and constructed on-site here at DRAO. Ultimately this work culminated in the development of the CHORD reflector which is now fully in production. The history of this development and some insights into the engineering process will be presented
May 16, 2026
Radio Astronomy in the Okanagan
Presented by
Michael Rupen
Radio Astronomy in the Okanagan
More information to come
June 13, 2026
We're Made of Star Stuff
Presented by
Tom Landecker
We're Made of Star Stuff
StuffThe Carbon that our bodies are made of and the Oxygen that we breathe did not exist in the early Universe: they were manufactured inside stars. This talk will explore the origin of the many substances that make up the world that we inhabit.
June 11, 2026
Do I really have to turn my cellphone off in the White Lake basin?
Presented by
Nicholas Bruce
Do I really have to turn my cellphone off in the White Lake basin?
If you're biking or hiking near the observatory, do you really have to turn off electronic devices? What if you're just driving by? This talk will discuss the sensitivity of the radio telescopes at the DRAO, the effort that goes into detecting and identifying "signals of unknown origin", the biggest issues facing ground-based radio astronomy, and what you can do to help!
August 8, 2026
Astronomy Technology Development and Engineering at DRAO
Presented by
Dave Del Rizzo
Astronomy Technology Development and Engineering at DRAO
More information to come
September 12, 2026
A scale representation of the local universe
Presented by
Ryan Ransom
A scale representation of the local universe
It's difficult to appreciate the distance between the Sun and the next closest star. Yet this is just one step outward into the vast Universe. In this interactive presentation, we'll explore the Universe from the Solar System to the local supercluster of galaxies using a series of scale models.
October 10, 2026
Twenty Years of Astronomical Projects
Presented by
Brian Hoff
Twenty Years of Astronomical Projects
Modern astronomical observatories are among the most complex and inspiring machines ever created. From the high deserts of Chile to the valleys of the Okanagan, teams of engineers, technologists, scientists, and managers have spent decades bringing projects of all scales to life—each one a new facility, instrument or service for exploring the universe. This talk takes a behind-the-scenes look at select projects spanning the last two decades—from the construction of the ALMA Observatory in Chile, which has transformed our view of the cosmos, to the development of a cutting-edge infrared instrument for the Gemini Observatory, and to CHORD, a Canadian grassroots initiative turning scientific vision into reality. Through these different stories, we'll explore the common theme of the project, large and small, the challenges that astronomical projects face, and the collaboration and creativity that have made these projects a success.