TAWBAS - Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society

Welcome

Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society (TAWBAS)

TAWBAS represents a collection of local amateur astronomers who have a passion for astronomy and space science and who are eager to share, learn and teach others who have similar interest. TAWBAS is based in Fort Smith, NWT, however, we welcome anyone who would like to become a member.

TAWBAS is currently working on expanding our outreach program offerings that are delivered in cooperation with our community partners and government agencies. We attempt to offer programs across the South Slave area of the NWT and the northern reaches of Alberta.

Our website is intended to serve as a "1st-choice" portal for news and information for our members and the public. We provide current information on TAWBAS activities, programs and events in addition to being an excellent online source for information to enhance your experience in exploring our northern skies as well as other related astronomy essentials.

Our Facebook Page is also an active forum for disseminating the latest news articles and updates on astronomy, space science and related subjects.

Feature Activities, Events and Programs

Dark Sky Festival: (annual event - late August)
Come join us for spectacular night sky viewing in the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve - Wood Buffalo National Park. The annual Dark Sky Festival includes activities and events for all age groups, feature presentations and night sky viewing.
** For details: Dark Sky Festival or [email protected]
** Call 872-0243.

Aurora Stellar Presentations:   (monthly activity - last Wednesday)
We welcome and encourage members and interested persons to join us for our monthly Aurora Stellar Presentations. These 30-45 minutes sessions will provide a casual but informative overview of a topic relating to astronomy, space science and other related subjects.
Until further notice, sessions will be hosted via Zoom conferencing. They will also be live-streamed and posted on our:  YouTube channel.
Details for each session will be posted on our Facebook page.

Fort Smith Star Park: (self-guided activity)
Fort Smith Star Park & Observatory is located near the Upper Air Station at the Fort Smith airport. The Star Park has reclined benches for your casual star gazing and aurora viewing.

Roberta Bondar Northern Observatory
Call or send an email for information on booking your viewing session at the Dr. Roberta Bondar Northern Observatory or to make other arrangements.
The RBN Observatory is part of the Fort Smith Star Park located near the Upper Air Station at the Fort Smith airport.
** For more details contact:  [email protected] or call 872-0243.

AuroraNauts: (kids STEM activities)
A program to inspire the imagination of kids using science and space themed activities in a fun, safe and motivating environment. The "crews" will be inspired by Mission Control Councillors through demonstrations about astronomy, rocketry, robotics and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects. Information on this Saturday afternoon activity will be posted soon.
** For more details contact: [email protected] or call 872-0243.