NOVA EAST 2026 - Program Schedule
The Sky - From Near to Far
"Gather under the Stars"

(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. 

Wednesday, August 12.  Note: No meals or snacks are provided.

Join us in not only observing the Perseid meteor shower but also learn how to make useful observations for science with only your eyes and some small items. Paul Gray will explain to those interested through a short workshop on how to observe and record the meteor shower. The planning for the evening will immediately follow this session at 8:30 p.m.

Observe the Perseid Showers
Join us at the top of the observing field to record your observations. Should be exciting!

What to bring?

• Besides yourself, glasses if you wear them for distance viewing.
• A red flashlight is required. Please no headlamps as they will impact other observers.
• A clipboard for taking notes on (forms will be provided) and pencil, 2 preferred in case one breaks.
• For comfort, a reclining lawn chair is best but a blanket on the ground will work.
• A blanket to cover yourself while laying in the chair is also very helpful as even on a summer evening with dew you will get chilled.

Observing will begin at astronomical twilight (10:30 p.m.) on Wednesday evening and continue until early morning. 

8:00 p.m.

Safe Solar Observing and Imaging
Presenter: David Hoskin
Observing or imaging the Sun can be incredibly rewarding—but it’s one of the easiest ways to permanently damage your eyesight or equipment if done incorrectly. Indirect methods (pinhole and solar projection), as well as the use of certified solar filters for safe visual use will be discussed. In addition, the use of front-mounted white-light filters for observing or imaging the Sun with telescopes (and binoculars) will be described. This is an excellent way to observe and photograph sunspots. Finally, the presentation will cover the use of dedicated solar telescopes tuned to the hydrogen-alpha wavelength in order to reveal solar filaments, prominences and flares.

Binocular Table: Chris Young, Judy Black
Using the Centre’s Nova East 2026 Observing and Imaging List, they will assist anyone interested in finding the targets listed by naked eye observing or with binoculars.If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars. 

Telescopes: Jerry Black, Michael Gatto, Paul Gray, Karen Hamblin, Frank Logan
Telescopes will be easily identified and will view targets listed. Time permitting, they may accept requests to see fainter targets.

Presentation: Our Experiences with the Seestar S30, S30Pro, S50 and Dwarf II Smart Telescopes
Presenters: Jerry Black  - Peter Hurley, David Hoskin, David McMullin, Bob Russell
"He who dies with the most toys wins"   or  ”A serious tool for a multitude of usage". A comparison of the Seestar S30, S30Pro, S50 and Dwarf 2 and 3 smart scopes and some of our experiences with them.

Solar Observing & FREE TIME
Daytime Challenge: Find Venus

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

Public Talk:  
Presenter: Dr. Catherine Lovekin
Looking at Stars: Beyond the surface
When we look at stars, we are really only seeing the surface layers. All the light we see comes to us from a layer called the photosphere. This layer has spots, flares, and many other interesting features. But what about deeper in? The light we see originates from much deeper inside the star, so can we use it to learn something about the interiors? In this talk, I will explain how we can use stellar variability to probe the interior structure of stars, allowing us to learn much more about their structure and evolution.

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

Guided Public Observing ALL WELCOME!
Binocular Table: Chris Young, Judy Black
Using the Centre’s Nova East 2026 Observing and Imaging List, they will assist anyone interested in finding the targets listed by naked eye observing or with binoculars.If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars. 

Telescopes: Jerry Black, Michael Gatto, Paul Gray, Karen Hamblin, Frank Logan
Telescopes will be easily identified and will view targets listed. Time permitting, they may accept requests to see fainter targets.

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

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