“We are a way for the universe to know itself. Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return. And we can, because the cosmos is also within us. We’re made of star stuff,” the late Carl Sagan once said.
Whether it is a sense of belonging that’s caused mankind to tilt its head to the sky for as long as its walked on two feet isn’t clear, but Sagan’s famous quote does speak to the pull astronomy, and for that matter astrology, has had on mankind over time.
But, does it still have our attention?
Members of the Okanagan Observatory think it should, but modern times may have shifted our focus.
“We are so far removed from looking at the skies. Skies used to mean everything to us. Our ancestors knew exactly what was up there and what it was doing,” said Colleen O’Hare of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Okanagan Centre.
“Now we just go from our well lit houses to our well lit shopping malls and we just really miss that connection with the universe.”
In an effort to remind Okanganites the hold the heavens have had on us, they open up their facility on Big White Road to the public every Friday night.
“It’s quite overwhelming to show people their first look at the Milky Way, or at planets,” said O’Hare.
“We were looking at Saturn last (Friday) and to see the reconnection…well, we get more out of it than they do.”
The astronomy club has been around since the 1990s, but in 2008 the Okanagan Observatory was opened to ensure star gazers could get the best view.
On Friday nights members start their evening off at their theatre, where they show visitors what they will be looking at that night.
Then they move over to their club member-built, 25-inch mirrored telescope.
“It’s the biggest amateur-built telescope in all of B.C.,” she said.
In recent months, they got the funding to allow people with mobility challenges to also do a bit of star gazing.
“Last year Interior Savings Credit Union gave us the money to purchase this eye piece…it allows people with disabilities, such as wheelchairs, direct visual access to the skies, like everyone else,” she said.
Then this year Kelowna Rotary Club offered up funds for a monthly bus trip for people with mobility challenges.
It’s been a great new addition to the club, which is always working to bring the stars to local children.
“We have a kids astronomy club, which right now is a monthly newsletter telling them what to look for; what the moon will be doing and all kinds of different activities,” she said.
To get involved call 250-300-8759 or follow them on twitter @okobservatory for viewing information.
