NOVA EAST 2025 - Program Schedule
LOOK UP!
"The Stars Belong to Everyone"

(all activities in Event Pavilion unless otherwise noted)

Upon arrival, please check in at the Nova East Event Pavilion to register.

No laser pointers are allowed except by Certified Presenters at the Sky Tour and Guided Observing Activity.
No mag lights after 10:30 PM. 

 

Friday, August 22
Noon - 6:30 p.m. Registration Desk
Registrar: Tony McGrath. Event Pavillion

After 6:30 PM, contact the Registrar by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or in person.
7:45 p.m. Welcome & Announcements
Event Pavillion - Bring your own chair

8:00 p.m.

BEGINNER MINI-TALKS: Telescopes and Observing
Presenters: David Hoskin, Gerry Brosky, Dave Chapman
David will describe the various types of telescopes commonly available and their mountings. Gerry will describe how the eye works in astronomical observing. Dave will explain exit pupil and how it pertains to the observer's eye and eyepiece selection.

9:30 - 10:00 p.m.
(in field)
Public Sky Tour
Presenter: Gary Weber, Chris Young
For beginners learning the night sky. Gary and Chris will provide a tour of the planets and constellations in view and the stories associated with them. 

10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Astronomer Lounge
Astronomers and astrophotographers are welcome to socialize in the Events Building in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
10:00 - 10:45 p.m.
(in field)
Guided Public Observing ALL WELCOME!
Presenters: Gary Weber, Chris Young, Dave Chapman, Judy Black
Using the Centre’s Nova East 2025 Observing and Imaging List, they will assist anyone interested in finding the targets listed by naked eye observing or with binoculars. Members with scopes set up may accept requests to see fainter targets.
If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars.
10:45 - 11:30 p.m.
(in field)
Public Observing  ALL WELCOME
11:30 p.m. - Dawn Nova East Registrant Dark Sky Observing / Imaging in the Field
Quiet Time: 1:00-8:00 a.m.
Saturday, August 23
9:00 a.m. - Noon Registration Desk. Event Pavillion.
Registrar: Tony McGrath
Contact the Registrar by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or in person.
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Astronomer Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages (Hosted by Nova East)
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
all day in field Telescope Tours & Solar Observing
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
(iEvent Pavillion)

Workshop: Laser Pointer Training
Presenters: Peter Hurley, Dave Robertson

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
(Events )
Family Activity: Walk the Solar System
Presenter: David Hoskin
Join David as he leads us from the Sun through our Solar System.
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Nova East Flea Market: Equipment and Books from members   
Come browse, buy or barter! A great chance to get items you no longer use into the hands of others, or to find gently used astronomy equipment and books. At the seller's discretion, some portion (or all) of the proceeds may be directed towards the SCOPE Fund.
Noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break & FREE TIME
Lunch is not provided by Nova East.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Workshop: Make your Own Sundial
Presenter: Dave Chapman
Dave Chapman will explain how a sundial works in basic terms. Participants will then assemble their own sundial by cutting and folding a printed card.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Free Time
4:30 p.m.  Group Photo - All Nova East Participants
All registered participants gather at the Event Pavilion for the traditional group photo on the hill.
5:00 p.m. No-Host Dinner
Registrants are invited to gather either at their campsites or at the Event Pavilion. There will be no hosted Nova East BBQ this year.
7:00 p.m.

Welcome back
Door Prizes, RASC Observing Certificates & Awards.
Presenters: Chris Young, Judy Black

8:15 - 9:15 p.m.

Public Talk:  Stories in Space
Presenter: John Read
John will present the stories behind the amazing fleet of telescopes that deliver the amazing science we come to expect from the frontier of astronomy. 

9:30 - 10:00 p.m.
(in field)
Public Sky Tour
Presenter: Gary Weber, Chris Young
For beginners learning the night sky. Gary and Chris will provide a tour of the planets and constellations in view and the stories associated with them. 

10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Astronomer Lounge
Astronomers and astrophotographers are welcome to socialize in the Events Building in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.

10:00 - 10:45 p.m.
(in field)

Guided Public Observing ALL WELCOME!
Presenters: Gary Weber, Chris Young, Dave Chapman, Judy Black
Using the Centre’s Nova East 2025 Observing and Imaging List, they will assist anyone interested in finding the targets listed by naked eye observing or with binoculars. Members with scopes set up may accept requests to see fainter targets.
If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars.

10:45 - 11:30 p.m.
(in field)
Public Observing  ALL WELCOME
11:30 p.m. - Dawn Nova East Registrant Dark Sky Observing / Imaging in the Field
Quiet Time: 1:00-8:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 24
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. Astronomer Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages (Hosted by Nova East)
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sherman Williams Memorial Walk - Birding at Smileys Provincial Park
Host: Pat Kelly
Pat will lead the walk through one of the Smiley trails and help us identify birds in the area.
FREE TIME No scheduled activities
Sunday Evening Optional Camping & Observing