Observatory
In the Cypress Hills
Dark-Sky Preserve
• Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park was designated a Dark-Sky Preserve in 2004 because of its dark,
starry nights. Astronomy education programs are now offered to the public to create a love of the
night sky and to educate people on ways to protect it from light pollution. For years astronomers
have come to the Cypress Hills to observe the sky at night because the skies are not faded out by
light pollution.
• In 2011, the Cypress Hills Observatory was constructed and opened by the park and ‘Friends of
Cypress Hills Park Inc.. Friends of Cypress Hills Park Inc. is a non-profit organization which works to
enhance educational, recreational and interpretive programs in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
Public Education
Astronomy Nights
• Public star gazing spring though fall
• Daytime solar viewing
• Group bookings for Observatory
School Field Trips
• Sky Watch for grade 3 – 5
• Solar System Walk for grades 6 – 12
• Sky-Trek Astronomy for grade 6 - 12
Astronomer In Residence
• Volunteer opportunity for spring, summer
or fall position
• Excellent opportunity to expand on
astronomy skills
• Assists with public and school programs
Research
Plans are under way to use a special camera to track and
monitor meteor occurrences and locate fallen objects for
collection and study.
Fun Facts
• Plants and animals (including humans) need night time darkness to complete their life cycle.
• Some wildlife only feed at night.
•The Cypress Hills Observatory has a 14” Celestron telescope with a computer that transmits to a screen
in the 60 seat Yurt classroom. The Park also uses two Dobsonian reflector telescopes and 20 x 80
binoculars for additional programming.
• The light from the Andromeda Galaxy has travelled for 2.3 million years to reach Earth.
• If there was a big enough pool for it, Saturn would float.
School and Group Bookings:
• Pre-booking only by phoning (306) 662-7407
• Fees apply:
• school/youth group
• Private group bookings minimum 10 people.
• Guided programs are 1.5 – 2 hours long
• Bookings accepted for Spring and Fall only
Public Viewing:
Spring
• Saturday nights in spring are open for scheduled
programs. Fees apply
• Other nights open by chance unless pre-booked
Summer
• Scheduled programs 3 nights/week
• Other nights open by chance
• Fees apply
Fall
• Saturday night scheduled program. Fees apply
• Other nights by chance
Contact Us:
[email protected]
www.saskparks.net/cypresshills
STAR Language
Stella – Latin word meaning Star
Luna – Latin word meaning Moon
Planet – Greek word meaning
Wanderer
Observatory – facility for
observing stars and celestial
objects
Astronomy – the science of
celestial bodies
Cosmic Critter – constellation
shapes representing an animal