When it was completed in 1935, it was the second largest astronomical telescope in the world. The 74 inch reflector was used by astronomer Dr. Tom Bolton to confirm the existence of Cygnus X-1 as a Black Hole, a first in astronomy. Dr. Helen Sawyer Hogg contributed to our understanding of the universe by the decades of research at the David Dunlap Observatory’s mighty telescope. The 190 acres of surrounding undeveloped land are home to deer and over dozens of species of birds. It’s an oasis of astronomy and biology surrounded by the suburbs of Toronto.

The University of Toronto intends to sell the DDO and the surrounding wild space and fetch as much as $100 million dollars in the process. Will we see it snapped up by developers keen on turning the land into houses, offices and strip plazas? I hope not. There’s a strong community voice in Richmond Hill, including Mayor Dave Barrow who wants to see the site preserved. Local government along with community groups such as the Richmond Hill Naturalists have mounted a campaign to offer the U of T a serious alternative to the dismantling and destruction of the DDO. We know that this is the right thing to do. The David Dunlap Observatory represents a major piece of the history of astronomy, as well as the history of Canada.

We can do our part to help but we must act quickly. The University of Toronto has placed a deadline of February 15th, 2008 to decide on submissions for the sale of the facility. Let them know that you want the DDO to remain as a testament to the advancement of the science of astronomy, a part of our heritage and that it should be preserved. Take a moment and fill out this online petition.

Thank you and clear skies!

Photo by Dan Falk -author: Universe on a T-shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything (thanks Dan!)

Well it’s been a while and we’re still catching up. In the summer, News in Space went to Starfest, one of the top Star Parties and Astronomy Conventions in North America. Very soon we will have a series of Starfest episodes posted on AstroShorts. I know many of you have been waiting patiently and you will be rewarded. Starfest attracts over 900 astronomy enthusiasts to Southern Ontario, Canada each year. Its diversity of programs means there is something for everyone. I’m impressed by how such a small group of organizers, the North York Astronomical Association produces such a great event.

October 4th, 1957 was a day that changed our perception of the world. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 which orbited the earth while announcing its presence for all to see and hear. The event stirred emotions in the western world. Wonder, fear, anger, awe and a sense of challenge stirred the United States and set it on a path that further changed the globe. In 1957 I wasn’t yet born but I do remember the passion for the Space Race of the 1960’s and how it interested the entire world for a decade. The Space Race embodied the western world’s fears of being dominated by a foreign communist state and it also inspired us to reach for highest achievements we could imagine. With a dark soul as well as a noble purpose, the race to the moon seemed to mirror humanity’s unique quality of being immensely dangerous and at the same time incredibly hopeful.

Fifty years later, we find ourselves in a renewed Space Race. The political landscape is more complicated than ever and I’m too old now to think only of the more noble aspects of going back to the moon and beyond. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment or perhaps explore the subject in a video. I’d like to hear from you.

The facility was a gift to the University of Toronto from Jessie Dunlap in memory of her husband.  The university recently announced that it has reached an agreement with the grandchildren of Jessie and David which allows the closure of the facility and sale of the lands and equipment.  A new facility built with the proceeds will be called the Dunlap Institute.  It will support future astronomical research from the U of T’s St. George Campus.  Final vote is expected in October.

It is sad that this jewel will go missing from Richmond Hill.  A piece of history will be lost.  Progress is like that though; some good with the bad.

It’s been in some ways a very short summer. A backlog of material and not enough time to edit and post. Tonight, the finishing touches go on the “Beach Episode” of News in Space. We had a lot of fun filming this one and I liked the humor in it. If it’s not up, it will be posted shortly. Take a look and please comment. We want to know what you like about our productions and what we could improve upon.

We’re still working on a number of episodes to be released throughout the fall. I hope you will enjoy them as much as we did making them.

As of Monday, September 3rd, membership on the site is over 425 people now and rising. Thanks for making us a web destination. Don’t be shy posting to AstroShorts. We want more video from our members. Remember…it’s all about sharing with each other.

I’m equally pleased to report that the good people at Astronomy magazine have posted a series of videos on a wide range of topics related to astronomy.  There’s been a great deal of interest from viewers -they’re very popular and we’re really happy to see them available to AstroShorts viewers.

You can upload your own videos too!  Don’t be shy.  Everyone visiting AstroShorts wants to see.  The whole astronomical community benefits every time someone shares their interest of astronomy.  That’s why we are here, doing what we do and why you are visiting right now.

Clear Skies!

The relationship between Science and Science Fiction is a symbiotic one, don’t you think?  Casey and I visited a Science Fiction convention in Toronto called Polaris 21 where we explored that relationship.  What we found was that Science Fiction fans are keenly aware of the interplay between the two and had plenty to say.  We’ll have their insights in an episode of “News In Space” very soon including an interview with Torri Higginson of Stargate Atlantis.

For those of you wondering what’s happened to News In Space, don’t fret -we haven’t forgotten you.  We’re working hard to bring our on-line store to AstroShorts and it’s requiring our full attention right now.  We will have more coming very soon.  On a related note, our wonderful show host, Casey Dee is now providing the voice of IMAGINOVA’s monthly Sky Events Podcast.  We’ve featured it on the AstroShorts main page.  We’re so proud of you Casey!

The day after the shuttle launch, the good folk of the Brevard Astronomical Society and Melbourne Astronomical Society were engaged in a public event to share views of the sun and other celestial objects. They are wonderful people who really do a great job of bringing the wonder and excitement of astronomy to people of all ages. It was a pleasure to speak with the individual members -we’ll have it all in an upcoming installment of “News In Space”. Of course, we shot some great video at the BCC Planetarium as well. They run many good programs and exhibits from their beautiful location on the Brevard Community College Campus.

We are working on four new episodes of “News In Space” which focus on Florida’s Spacecoast, including the BAS, BCC Planetarium and of course the Kennedy Space Center. I think you’ll enjoy them. If you are visiting that part of Florida, check them out.

Why not upload your own video related to the idea of attracting new people to astronomy?   Our IPOD contest is still on but you need to act soon.  Perhaps you have some ideas for public events and they’ve worked well with your club.  Maybe you have some great video on you last public event or have made an animation that teaches an astronomical concept.  It’s up to you.  It doesn’t have to be a Hollywood production.   Produce it with a web-cam, a handy-cam -whatever!  Don’t be shy.  Contest closes June 23rd.  The winning entry as judged by the AstroShorts community receives an IPOD.

Come on now -be a STAR for the STARS!