Links

Kejimkujik Dark Sky Weekend. All photos by @John McPhee

NOVA SCOTIA ASTRONOMY

There are many amazing amateur astronomers, photographers, birders and otherwise naturally inclined folks in Nova Scotia. Many have their own blogs and sites.

  • www.astronomynovascotia.ca - Created and managed by David Chapman, one of the most active members of the Halifax centre of the Royal Astronomy of Canada (RASC). He's a former editor of the society's venerable Observers Handbook.  Here's his Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chapmandave and his Mi’kmaw Moons page.

  • Blair MacDonald, astrophotographer extraordinaire and also a busy RASC member

  • Jason Dain, astrophotography and nature photography.

  • Meteorologist Cindy Day’s website regularly includes astronomical highlights and photos.

  • Mike Boschat, avid ex-pat Russian and amateur astronomer (RASC member) with specialties in solar activity and meteor showers. 

  • The Minas Astronomy Group (MAG) holds presentations and public viewings in the Annapolis Valley. One of the unofficial group leaders is  retired Acadia University physicist Dr. Roy Bishop, an expert in astronomy in general, particularly optical physics and tidal science, A former RASC president, his contributions have become an integral part of its Observers Handbook. 

  • Really cool timelapses by RASC member Jerry Black

  • The astronomical photos of Halifax RASC member Chris Turner

  • The photos of Annapolis Valley RASC member Bruce Hamilton

  •  Burke Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary's University 

  • The excellent Clear Sky Chart website created by Attilla Danko predicts observing conditions at sites around the world.  This link shows the charts for Nova Scotia sites. 

GENERAL ASTRONOMY

  • www.backyardastronomy.com - Support website for the book Backyard Astronomer's Guide by the late, great Canadian astronomy writer Terence Dickinson and astronomer/astrophotographer Alan Dyer. Contains a wealth of information on astrophotography, observing and equipment. 

  • https://www.facebook.com/rubymoonbeams - Lisa’s Look Up offers a safe space for beginners to learn about astronomy and space exploration.

  • www.heavens-above.com - One of the earliest astronomical websites - the first one I signed up for! - created by Chris Peat.  The non-profit site is particularly helpful for satellite and International Space Station spotting. Also whole sky chart, solar system data and constellation charts.  

  • The Actual Astronomy Podcast with Chris and Shane share their experiences of observing the night sky.

  • http://earthsky.org - As name suggests, offers articles on earth science as well as astronomy. Helpful calendar of upcoming astronomical events such as conjunctions. Also non-profit and donation-based. 

  • Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s Twitter account. His spectacular photos of Earth from orbit on the ISS and his subsequent activities have attracted more than two million followers.

  • Compendium of astronomical information from the Canadian Space Agency, designed for teachers but helpful for anyone interested in astronomy. 

  • www.timeanddate.com -  Time and calendar site with easily accessed information on future moonphases, sun and moon rises and seasons.

NOVA SCOTIA NATURE 

OTHER BIRDING AND NATURE PAGES