The Hamilton Centre of the RASC is pleased to announce that we will have a special guest speaker for the February 3rd General on-line Meeting. Emeritus Professor Dr. Paul A. Delaney of York University will give a talk:
The Magnificent Aurora
There is no better illustration of the connection between the Sun and our Earth than observing the Aurora Borealis. For centuries, the dancing and swaying Northern and Southern Lights have captivated observers. Countless hours in often harsh conditions are spent by observers trying for the “perfect” image. What creates the aurora, where and when can they best be seen? What is “Steve”, the latest companion to the aurora.
This event is for club members only. Please check your email or the Forum for your invitation. Register in advance for this meeting. If you have any issues finding your invitation, please email us via our info@ email address (hamiltonrasc.ca)
When: Feb 3, 2022 “Doors open” at 19:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
talk to start at 20:00
Speaker Bio
Paul Delaney was born in South Australia and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia in 1978 and his Master of Science from the University of Victoria, British Columbia in 1981. Since that time, he has worked as a nuclear physicist for Atomic Energy of Canada and a support astronomer at McGraw Hill Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.
He was a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University from 1986 to 2021, retiring at the end of 2021 to become a Emeritus Professor. He was a (Full) Professor (Teaching Stream) teaching a variety of physics and astronomy related courses to science and non-science students. In addition he was the Director of the campus Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory (1986 – 2021) which offers a teaching laboratory environment as well as research opportunities for science students studying astronomy, and extensive Public Outreach programs to the community. He was the inaugural Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy, from 2018-2021.
Between 2002 and 2016 he was the Director of the Division of Natural Science, an academic unit that exposes nearly 12,000 undergraduate students annually to the world of science. He was the Master of Bethune College, the “Science and Society” College, one of York’s 8 undergraduate student Colleges, from 1994 until 2005.
He is a passionate educator and delights in discussing the wonders of the universe with people of all ages. Along with his undergraduate student Observing Team, he coordinated an extensive Public Outreach program in astronomy (1086 – 2021) including hosting a 1 hour internet radio program
‘YorkUniverse” every Monday evening (on astronomy.fm since 2011). He considers himself an amateur as well as professional astronomer and has been interested in astronomy and space science for as long as he can remember. He has been a member of various RASC Centres (Victoria,
Winnipeg, Toronto) since 1980 and has served as the second Vice President of the Toronto Centre from 2009-2020.
Awards:
• York University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering Teaching Award (1991),
• a ‘top 10’ finalist in TV Ontario’s Best Lecturer competition (2005),
• York University President’s Teaching Award (2006),
• the winner of the Royal Canadian Institute’s 2010 Sanford Fleming Medal for Outstanding
Contributions to the Public Understanding of Science amongst Canadians,
• the 2015 recipient of the Qilak Award from the Canadian Astronomical Society recognizing his
ongoing commitment to the Public Awareness and Understanding of Astronomy,
• the 2016 University Professorship (essentially lifetime achievement) from York University,
• the 2017 Klumpke-Roberts award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific “For outstanding
contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy”
• in 2018 was appointed (for 3.5 years) the inaugural Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public
Understanding of Astronomy at York University.
• in 2021 he received the RASC Service Award, for contributions to the Society over 4 decades.
• In 2021, selected to be recognized with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award
• In 2021, received the H. A Winearls award for Service from RASC TC for your many years of
service as VP of programming
