The Carman Active Living Centre is inviting the community to look up and enjoy the wonders of the night sky during a special astronomy evening this fall.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 8 to 11 p.m., the centre will host a free, intergenerational stargazing event featuring guest astronomer Kenton Dyck of the Pembina Valley Astro Club. Dyck will bring his telescope and guide participants through the evening sky, offering both hands-on experience and expert insight. Attendees will have the chance to adjust the scope for their own vision and track a variety of celestial targets as Dyck explains what they’re seeing.
Dyck said his own passion for astronomy began in school.
“My love of astronomy was kindled by my Grade 8 teacher, Mrs. Perkins,” he said. “She gave me a book on the history of the air war in World War II, which started my interest in military aircraft. As I got older, that interest moved to extreme aircraft like the space shuttle and rockets, which placed me neatly in the orbit of astronomy.”
That curiosity eventually led him to launch the Pembina Valley Astro Club.
“The inspiration for the Astro Club started at the tail end of COVID,” Dyck explained. “This was around the time that my initial curiosity around astronomy and astrophysics started to peak and I realized there were no astronomy clubs south of Winnipeg. So I decided to purchase my first telescope with the goal of using it for public outreach, and the Astro Club has been spreading and growing ever since.”
During the Carman event, Dyck said Saturn will be the star of the show.
“Saturn will be the highlight of the evening. Its rings and moons are already visible and will only get clearer as the days go by,” he said. “We will also be targeting blue giants, red giants, variable stars, binary star systems, and globular clusters.”
He added that events like this provide more than just entertainment.
“Hands-on astronomy is important because it taps into that natural sense of wonder and exploration we all have, especially when we’re young,” Dyck said. “Looking through a telescope and actually seeing Saturn’s rings or the craters of the Moon makes the universe feel real and accessible. Experiences like that often spark a lifelong curiosity in science. And curiosity is powerful! Scientific discovery has always been the engine that drives our society forward, from manufacturing to medicine to technology. By giving everyone opportunities to explore the night sky directly, we’re not just inspiring future scientists, we’re demonstrating how the scientific method works, which is still the most reliable tool we have for uncovering the truth about our world and our universe.”
Organizers say the event is designed to be both educational and social, giving people of all ages a chance to connect while exploring the stars. In the event of poor weather, a rain date will be announced. The evening is part of the Active Living Centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
“We’re excited to be celebrating our 20th year and hope to offer some exciting opportunities,” said Lynne Wilkinson of the Carman Active Living Centre. “Astronomy is a topic that appeals to people of all ages, and stargazing is a great fit for our intergenerational programming. It will allow everyone to share their enthusiasm and excitement as we explore and learn together.”
Wilkinson said the response has already been strong.
“We hope the weather cooperates,” she said. “It would be wonderful to have a large crowd come out, enjoy a warm drink, and swap stories.”
Looking ahead, Wilkinson said more free, intergenerational learning events are in the works, including an evening dedicated to entomology — the study of insects.
“If anyone has ideas, talents or interests they’d like to share with the community, please contact the Active Living Centre. We’re open to suggestions.”
Participants are encouraged to dress warmly for the outdoor experience. The event is free and open to all.
