In 1918, the facility opened and remained the world’s main astrophysical research centre for decades
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) on Vancouver Island is celebrating 100 years of educating the public and advancing science this weekend.
The observatory’s telescope was once the world’s largest and the facility was among the first to develop techniques for detecting planets.
Marking A Milestone
On Saturday, scientists, educators and the public are invited to the observatory to learn about its pioneering role in the field of astrophysics in Canada.
The family-friendly event will include telescope viewing, a virtual reality tour of the space station, instruction on astrophotography and talks from academic speakers.
“I think we’ll have a bit of fun too,” Don Moffatt, the vice chair of the Friends of DAO and one of the members of the observatory that spoke to Gregor Craigie, the host of CBC’s On the Island.
UBC professor Jaymie Mathews, the main speaker for the night, is expected to dress like an astronomer from 2118 and other volunteers attending will dress in clothing from 1918, said Moffatt.
Pioneer in Astronomy
The facility, perched on observatory Hill in Saanich, B.C., was officially completed by the Canadian government in June 1918 and held the largest telescope of its time, the Plaskett telescope.
“What keeps me coming every week is just this incredible story and legacy that developed here in Victoria,” said Dan Posey, a board member with the Friends of DAO.
“All of the international success with institutions that we found can be tracked back to the success of the small staff of just four men on a little Saanich mountain who started the observatory,” said Posey. “Some of those successes include breakthrough discoveries about the nature of the Milky Way.”
The small group even discovered one of the first planets ever detected, he added.
Still Relevant
Today the observatory is still important.
“There are people who build instruments and there are people who archive data, not just for Canada, but for the whole world … instruments for big telescopes in Hawaii in Chile and also in South Africa are being designed and built here,” said Ben Dorman, the chair of the Friends of DAO.
For Posey, the rich history is a major part of what keeps him interested in the 100-year-old facility.
“This incredible story and legacy that developed here in Victoria, there is a rich tradition of Canadian success and Canadian science, in particular, astrophysics hitting above our weight that has just resounded through the entire 20th century and beyond.”
