The View From My Backyard

Every clear night the sky puts on a show for the unaided eye. Whether it is the grandeur of the Milky Way band against a black velvet sky, stars twinkling as diamonds, a dazzling meteor shower, spectacular comets, or a big golden moon against the eastern horizon, there is always something to see. In addition, if one puts camera to telescope, objects normally invisible to the unaided eye and rarely seen can be discovered that add to the splendors of the night.

Les has been capturing deep sky celestial images since 1994 from his home near Courtenay and from various locations in B.C. and western North America. As an avid astrophotographer, he has been a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and his photos have received a
number of awards. He has been a witness to the transition from the unique requirements of film astro-imaging to those of digital imaging.

Les will put on a slide display of his celestial images that illustrate the majesty of the deep sky splendors to be found in the night skies right over our heads, and talk about his experiences taking them. He will also talk about the processes involved in taking and producing these images. The talk will be flavoured with interesting and humorous anecdotes and new and little-known facts. He will also do a few interesting and fun demonstrations to review of some relevant basic concepts.

Proceeds from our ticket sales will be supporting Strathcona Wilderness Institute in its mission to inspire awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the natural world through research, education and participation within Strathcona Provincial Park. The Strathcona Wilderness Institute is a non-profit society incorporated in 1995 to promote responsible and enjoyable use of the wilderness areas of Strathcona Provincial Park in central Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Tickets will be sold online through Eventbrite and any remaining tickets will be sold at the door based on availability (Cash or Card). Printed tickets are not required, simply an e-ticket or your name will work.