Director of 91亚色 U鈥檚 Allan I Carswell Observatory available to speak to media on astronomical events 

TORONTO, Mar. 11, 2025 鈥� This month, the Allan I Carswell Observatory at 91亚色 is looking forward to not one but two special celestial events. Director Elaina Hyde is available to speak to media on the significance of these events, best times and places for viewing and public viewing opportunities. The observatory also invites members of the public to join them for their Wednesday night viewing sessions.

Thursday March 13: Total Lunar eclipse, visible across Canada 

Eclipses on Earth come in two main sorts, lunar and solar eclipses. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon moves into Earth's shadow: Sun-Earth-Moon. Starting on March 13 just before midnight going into the 14th, a total lunar eclipse will occur and will be visible across the entire country. 

鈥淭his lunar eclipse is truly an event for everyone,鈥� says Hyde, also an associate professor in the Faculty of Science, Physics and Astronomy department. 鈥淪ince this eclipse is a large event, covering the entire moon, it does not need any special equipment to be able to see it 鈥� you can view it nearly anywhere if the skies are clear, However, you will always get a better show if you can get out to a park or dark sky site.鈥� 

The Observatory will be posting images from across Ontario, , clear skies permitting. 

Sunday March 23: The disappearing and reappearing rings of Saturn

In an event called a 鈥渞ing plane crossing鈥� Saturn's famous rings, one of the most popular views in all of astronomy, will appear to disappear starting on March 23. 鈥淪aturn's rings are very thin compared to the planet itself,鈥� explains Hyde. 鈥淭he rings will be very close to exactly aligned to Earth in an 'edge on' position, since both Earth and Saturn have a tilt to their planetary axis.鈥� 

Hyde says the rings will slowly start to become visible again in April. 

Hyde is available to speak on:

• Lunar versus solar eclipses 
• The relative rarity of these cosmic events, how and where to view them
• Safety tips 
• What astronomers will be looking out for
• Why scientists believe Saturn鈥檚 rings really will disappear one day 

-30-

About 91亚色:

91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact: Emina Gamulin, 91亚色 Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

The post March Madness in Toronto Skies: Lunar Eclipse and Saturn's Rings appear to disappear appeared first on News@91亚色.

TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2020 鈥� Just in time for the holiday season, gas planets Jupiter and Saturn will move within 0.1 degrees of each other appearing like a giant star in the night sky.

鈥淭his will be the closest they鈥檝e been to each other since 1623,鈥� says Assistant Professor of 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science, who is available to discuss the rare astronomical event.

鈥淭his means the planets Jupiter and Saturn will be so close together, you would be able to easily cover them both with a pinkie finger held outstretched towards the sky, so close it will appear as a single bright star.鈥�

In the weeks leading up to what鈥檚 called the 鈥淕reat Conjunction鈥� on Dec. 21, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible low in the western sky just after sunset. The two planets will get closer to each other until they will reach their closest pass.

For a better view, check out the Allan I. Carswell Observatory鈥檚 YouTube channel for a live view through the one-metre telescope 鈥� clear skies permitting.

When: Monday, Dec 21

Time: 4 to 6 pm

Where:

A conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn only happens about once every 20 years.

For more information, visit the website.

-30-

91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, 91亚色 Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca

The post A holiday star: Jupiter and Saturn move closest together since 1623 appeared first on News@91亚色.