Links
Kejimkujik Dark Sky Weekend. All photos by @John McPhee
NOVA SCOTIA ASTRONOMY
There are many amazing amateur astronomers, photographers, birders and otherwise naturally inclined folks in Nova Scotia. Many have their own blogs and sites.
www.astronomynovascotia.ca - Created and managed by David Chapman, one of the most active members of the Halifax centre of the Royal Astronomy of Canada (RASC). He's a former editor of the society's venerable Observers Handbook. Here's his Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chapmandave and his Mi’kmaw Moons page.
Dave Lane, retired director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory at St. Mary's University in Halifax, whose fields of expertise include astronomical software and asteroids. A former RASC president, he's responsible for the monthly astronomical calendar of the Observers Handbook.
Blair MacDonald, astrophotographer extraordinaire and also a busy RASC member
Jason Dain, astrophotography and nature photography.
Meteorologist Cindy Day’s website regularly includes astronomical highlights and photos.
Mike Boschat, avid ex-pat Russian and amateur astronomer (RASC member) with specialties in solar activity and meteor showers.
The Minas Astronomy Group (MAG) holds presentations and public viewings in the Annapolis Valley. One of the unofficial group leaders is retired Acadia University physicist Dr. Roy Bishop, an expert in astronomy in general, particularly optical physics and tidal science, A former RASC president, his contributions have become an integral part of its Observers Handbook.
Really cool timelapses by RASC member Jerry Black
The astronomical photos of Halifax RASC member Chris Turner
The photos of Annapolis Valley RASC member Bruce Hamilton
Burke Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary's University
The excellent Clear Sky Chart website created by Attilla Danko predicts observing conditions at sites around the world. This link shows the charts for Nova Scotia sites.
GENERAL ASTRONOMY
www.backyardastronomy.com - Support website for the book Backyard Astronomer's Guide by the late, great Canadian astronomy writer Terence Dickinson and astronomer/astrophotographer Alan Dyer. Contains a wealth of information on astrophotography, observing and equipment.
https://www.facebook.com/rubymoonbeams - Lisa’s Look Up offers a safe space for beginners to learn about astronomy and space exploration.
www.heavens-above.com - One of the earliest astronomical websites - the first one I signed up for! - created by Chris Peat. The non-profit site is particularly helpful for satellite and International Space Station spotting. Also whole sky chart, solar system data and constellation charts.
The Actual Astronomy Podcast with Chris and Shane share their experiences of observing the night sky.
http://earthsky.org - As name suggests, offers articles on earth science as well as astronomy. Helpful calendar of upcoming astronomical events such as conjunctions. Also non-profit and donation-based.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s Twitter account. His spectacular photos of Earth from orbit on the ISS and his subsequent activities have attracted more than two million followers.
Compendium of astronomical information from the Canadian Space Agency, designed for teachers but helpful for anyone interested in astronomy.
www.timeanddate.com - Time and calendar site with easily accessed information on future moonphases, sun and moon rises and seasons.
NOVA SCOTIA NATURE
The Nova Scotia Bird Society. Information includes field trips, membership and tips for visiting birders.
Photographer Paul Ilsley’s portfolio includes many Nova Scotia nature scenes.
Here’s my map of backcountry camping sites at Kejimkujik National Park. The site descriptions are from the Friends of Keji backcountry site.
OTHER BIRDING AND NATURE PAGES
www.birdcanada.com - Includes snapshots of birding in various provinces and contributions from bloggers from across the country.
The Audobon Society’s birding page
The Cornell Lab’s birding page
