By [Andy Blanchard], Past President, RASC Hamilton
Let’s say it up front: amateur astronomy isn’t supposed to be political. It’s about dark skies, and the occasional curse at your mount’s alignment. But as it turns out, the night sky doesn’t care about borders — unfortunately, customs agents do.
With Donald Trump back in the White House and swinging policy hammers like Thor with a megaphone, things have gotten… interesting for Canadian stargazers who love heading south, buying gear from U.S. retailers, or chasing celestial events across the border. So what does the next four years look like for us telescope-hauling, gear-obsessed, cross-border adventurers?
Let’s break it down — with a smile and a sigh.
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1. The Border: Now with Extra Bureaucracy
Remember when crossing into the U.S. for a star party just meant declaring your beef jerky and trying not to say anything sarcastic? Well, those were the good ol’ days.
• Longer waits, more questions: U.S. border guards are now doing deeper screenings, including electronics checks and more inspections — especially if your mount looks like a radar dish or your dew heater wires look suspiciously… sophisticated.
• New rules for longer visits: Canadians staying in the U.S. more than 30 days must now register with U.S. authorities. Yes, really. This caught many snowbird astronomers off-guard. Apparently, staying to enjoy Arizona skies is now a notifiable act.
• Increased scrutiny overall: Some Canadians have been turned back at the border for minor issues or missing paperwork. And according to travel advisories, yes — you might be detained if you get caught in a grey area. (Which, ironically, is also the Bortle scale of most Walmart parking lots.)
Tip: If you’re crossing with equipment, document everything. Serial numbers, receipts, photos. Otherwise, your shiny Takahashi might look like you’re importing a laser cannon.
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2. Tariffs & Trade: The 25% Surprise You Didn’t Ask For
Let’s talk gear. If you’ve tried importing a new mount or fancy astro camera from the U.S. lately and noticed your wallet crying, it’s not your imagination.
• Trump’s tariffs: A fresh round of 25% tariffs now applies to Canadian exports and goods made in China sold via U.S. retailers. Since most gear is made in Asia and distributed through the U.S., prices are climbing faster than a satellite in low orbit.
• Canada’s response: Our government slapped matching 25% tariffs on U.S.-made gear. So if you’re eyeing a premium American-made mount, you’re now buying it with an added quarter baked in — kind of like GST with an attitude.
• The double hit: A scope made in China, sold through the U.S., and imported into Canada might now carry tariffs on both ends. That used-to-be-$300 guide camera? You’re looking at $375 before shipping, taxes, and the emotional cost of explaining it to your spouse.
Tip: Buy from Canadian dealers when you can — they’re working hard to source gear directly and may be able to dodge some of the madness.
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3. The Dollar Ain’t Helping Either
As if the tariffs weren’t enough, the loonie has decided to play limbo — “how low can you go?”
• A weak Canadian dollar means that $1,000 USD rig now costs you closer to $1,400 CAD.
• And no, your club discount code won’t save you from exchange rate pain. Believe me, we asked.
Combine that with inflation and many hobbyists are either waiting to buy, going second-hand, or finally learning what all those DIY threads on Cloudy Nights are about.
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4. The Great Retreat: Fewer Trips South, More Homegrown Stargazing
With all this red tape, many Canadian astronomers are just skipping U.S. trips altogether.
• Star party migration: Once-popular events in the U.S. are seeing fewer Canucks. Instead, we’re rediscovering our own dark-sky gems — and giving our car’s GPS a break from figuring out imperial miles.
• Shared frustration: One astronomer summed it up: “I’d love to see the eclipse in Texas, but I don’t love the idea of being fingerprinted for bringing a tripod.”
On the bright side, this has led to a surge in Canadian star party interest. Local events like Starfest (Ontario), the Alberta Star Party, and Mont-Mégantic are seeing strong attendance — and you don’t need a passport to get there.
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5. So What Should We Do?
Glad you asked. Here’s the unofficial (and highly practical) checklist for Canadian stargazers under Trump 2.0:
• Cross-border travel: Bring proof of ownership for your gear. Keep your itinerary clear. Smile politely and maybe don’t wear your “Make Mars Great Again” T-shirt.
• Buying gear: Prioritize Canadian dealers. Look for group buys or used gear domestically. And yes, dust off that mirror grinding kit if you’re feeling brave.
• Clubs and community: Lean into Canadian events and support local shops. This is our chance to strengthen our domestic astronomy scene — and maybe get back to why we started this hobby in the first place: wonder, exploration, and tinkering in the garage.
• Stay informed: We’ll keep you posted in the club newsletter if new policies come up. And if you have cross-border horror stories (or wins!), share them with the group — it helps everyone navigate this new landscape.
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Final Thought: We’ve Got This
Astronomy has survived wars, politics, and cloudy nights. A few tariffs and a temperamental president won’t keep Canadians from reaching for the stars. We’re nothing if not resourceful — and when one border closes, we just build a backyard observatory, chase a Canadian aurora, or get together under our own amazing sky.
