Two Observatories are available for London Centre Members
Observing at FingalMembers of London Centre enjoy dark skies near Fingal, thirty two kilometers south west of London. From there the majestic arch of the Milky Way can be appreciated, the mysteries of the aurora borealis can be awe inspiring, and dim and distant galaxies or the faint and fuzzy outline of a visiting comet can be seen clearly through a telescope.
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Lots of room for scopes and parking and we’re very proud of our new addition… a heated warm-up room built by the members of the Centre.
Skies are relatively free from light pollution, often reaching naked eye magnitude 5.7, very good for South-West Ontario. On hazy nights there is light pollution in the north east sky from London and St. Thomas, and in the east sky to a lesser extent from Port Stanley. To the west the light dome of Dutton, West Lorne, Chatham and Detroit can be detected. Low to the south the lights of Cleveland can be seen, but these rarely effect visual observing of the southern Milky Way.
We usually observe during the period from third quarter moon to first quarter moon when the skies are clear and dark. There is not much point to driving well out into the country to escape city lights if the moon is as bright as a streetlight!
The London RASC invites people who are interested in observing at Fingal to attend our monthly meetings to learn more about the club and it’s activities.