As people around the world isolate themselves to keep COVID-19 at bay, we at SkyNews are looking for ways to help you keep your mind occupied.
In an effort to help fill your hours at home, in the coming weeks we’re going to be posting archived articles and editions of SkyNews.
To be honest, before we were all shocked by the pandemic and isolations, we were hoping to open the archives in celebration of our 25th anniversary.
And so although we’re isolated from one another, the skies are still open and we aspire to be a helpful resource as you discover what’s out there.
Piqued your curiosity yet? Let’s start with a topic that still has the potential to start conversations.
Pluto, the non-planet
Read about the discovery of major the Kuiper Belt body, Sedna. Discovered in orbit beyond then-planet Pluto (May-June 2004), it was one of the bodies that served as a launchpad for discussions about what a planet actually is.
Then, if you’re not too dismayed, relive the debate about why Pluto got the boot (November-December 2006).
May-June 2004
Other issue highlights:
- 2004 transit of Venus
- Twin comets hit the skies
- Lunar sketching
- A word on Centaurus
- Galaxies galore
November-December 2006
Other issue highlights:
- Hubble finds young galaxies
- Astrophotography or sleep?
- Cassopeia’s clusters
- Deep-sky portraits from readers
- International Space Station gallery
Archives open to subscribers
Got a digital subscription to SkyNews? You also have access to our full magazine archives dating back to 2004.
Are you a regular print subscriber who hasn’t kept a shelf of magazines? You also have access to our digital archives. Just send a message to service@skynews.ca to get your account set up.
If you’re a RASC member and get your subscription through the society, for a discounted rate you’re eligible to gain access to the archive and digital editions as they’re published. Send a message to service@skynews.ca for more details.
Other activities
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is also providing social opportunities that you can access from the comfort of your home.
On Wednesday, March 25 at 10:30 p.m. EDT, The RASC is hosting an online star party, giving tips on how to observe and using the RASC Robotic Telescope (weather-permitting). The party link is here.
The national office is also providing centres with a special Zoom account to host virtual centre, council and member meetings. Visit The RASC website for more details.
And to top it off, all RASC members also have access to some of the Robotic Telescope Data, which they can work with as they like. All the data they have collected is available here.
