The property of Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd. can be considered a 60.000 acre dark sky reserve. Situated only 3 hours north of the lights of the Golden Horseshoe, Haliburton Forest is part of the Algonquin Dome, offering truly dark, light free viewing of the skies. This superb location allows astronomers to observe individual stars, galaxies and deep sky objects not normally observed in light polluted locations.
The Observatory:
Situated on a small rise near the entrance point into Haliburton Forest, the observatory offers an unobstructed view of the night skies. The plain, 1 1/2 story observatory building suits the wilderness setting. Once the roof rolls off, it reveals its true identity as a home for telescopes and other astronomy equipment. The ground floor is set up for presentations.
The Telescopes:
Two 10" and one 12" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes are mounted to facilitate easy viewing of the skies. Self-tracking and equipped with computerised functions accessing a 64.000 object database, these state of the art systems will make sky observations easy, pleasent and effective.
Keeping in tune with Haliburton Forest's concept of sustainable use and based on the fact that the sun provides the energy for all life on our planet, a solar power system has been installed to provide the observation facility with all its power requirements. Photovoltaic cells gather the suns rays which are converted and stored in a battery bank, to be used to operate the telescopes and equipment on site.
Observers with Telescopes
The Star Map
On site, visitors will find a one-of-a kind star map, providing the opportunity to chart one's way through the night sky above. Visually stimulating images of constellations are enhanced by descriptions and guides. The entire unit is backlit with red-light, in order not to interfere with the viewer's night vision. This feature, which adds great value to educational astronomy programs was designed and built by local artist Andy Hillo.
Day Time Star Gazing
A unique feature at the Haliburton Forest observatory is the opportunity to engage in day time star gazing. The viewing of larger sky objects is made possible through the full computerisation of the telescopes. Additionally a hydrogen-alpha filtered telescope enables viewers to observe the sun during the day - offering the rare opportunity to view, among others, solar flares and sun spots.
Back of Telescope
Side View of Telescopes
Astronomy Programming:
The observatory is open to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday as well as every Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer (fom early May to the end of October). Tom Kovac, the onsite astronomer will guide guests through the night skies. Sessions will start at 9:30 pm in June and July, at 9 pm in May and August and 8 pm September and October. Space is limited to 20 participants. A common evening program lasts for 2 to 3 hours. The fee is $ 20 for adults and $ 15 for youths under 18. Preregistration is required ( 705 754 2198). Should the respective evening be cloudy, an astronomy program in our on-site planetarium accompanied by a slide show will be offered.
Group outings throughout the year can be arranged upon request.