🌌 THE YOUNG GALILEO PROGRAM
30 telescopes. 30 students. A year of learning the night sky.
The Young Galileo Program helps motivated students in Grades 8 to 12 learn astronomy with the support of their family and experienced mentors from Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Hamilton Centre.
Selected families who complete the program will receive a telescope and a family membership in Hamilton RASC.
🔵 APPLY NOW
[Apply for the Young Galileo Program]
[Register for the Information Evening]
[Learn About Hamilton RASC]
[Ask a Question]
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Hamilton RASC, through the generosity of an anonymous donor, will be awarding 30 high-quality telescopes to students and families in the Hamilton and Halton area.
The total value of the telescopes exceeds $50,000.
This program is designed for students who already show a strong interest in astronomy, space science, observing, science communication, or public outreach.
This is not simply a telescope giveaway.
Students and their families will participate in:
- Training
- Observing sessions
- Mentorship
- Outreach activities
At successful completion, families receive:
- A telescope
- Training and support
- A family membership in Hamilton RASC
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The program is open to students who:
- Are in Grades 8 to 12
- Live in Hamilton or Halton
- Have a strong interest in astronomy or science
- Can attend training and observing sessions
- Have support from a parent or guardian
- Are curious, dependable, and willing to learn
Students with existing equipment may apply, but preference is given to those without access.
PROGRAM GOALS
Students will:
- Learn how to use a telescope properly
- Understand the night sky
- Develop observing skills
- Build science communication confidence
- Participate in outreach activities
- Share astronomy with others
- Build responsibility and leadership
- Join the local astronomy community
WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN
Training includes:
- How telescopes work
- Setup and maintenance
- Finding celestial objects (Moon, planets, galaxies, nebulae)
- Using star charts and astronomy apps
- Safe night observing
- Explaining astronomy to others
- Participating in public events
👨👩👧 FAMILY PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED
This is a family-based program.
A parent or guardian must participate.
Important expectations:
- Students may be outside after dark
- Events may run until 11:00 PM or later
- Locations include parks, observatories, and fields
- Transportation must be provided by families
- Parents remain responsible for students
Families should be prepared for:
- Cold weather
- Uneven terrain
- Late nights
- Changing conditions
🛡 SAFETY AND SUPERVISION
Student safety is a priority.
Key measures include:
- Police security checks for instructors
- Group-based sessions
- No one-on-one unsupervised situations
- Parent/guardian attendance required
- Clear attendance tracking
- Pre-session communication
- Safe location selection
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
Selected participants must:
- Attend the information evening
- Complete application steps
- Attend training sessions
- Participate in observing sessions
- Care for equipment
- Respect instructors and peers
- Complete program requirements
- Participate in outreach where possible
🔭 TELESCOPE AWARD
Upon completion, each family receives:
- One high-quality telescope
- Full training
- Ongoing mentor support
- Family membership in Hamilton RASC
This telescope becomes a long-term family learning tool.
📅 INFORMATION EVENING
Date: June 2
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: St. Matthews Church, Plains Road
Families will learn:
- Program details
- Requirements and expectations
- Training structure
- Safety measures
- Selection process
Attendance is required to apply.
SELECTION PROCESS
Students are selected based on:
- Interest in astronomy or science
- Financial need
- Commitment level
- Family support
- Maturity and reliability
- Willingness to participate
- Potential for outreach
Student Information
Submit your application online.
Selected families will be contacted.
Apply as soon as possible.
Goal: distribute all telescopes by year-end.
APPLICATION FORM
CONTACT
Organization: Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Hamilton Centre
Website: hamiltonrasc.ca
Email: [insert program email]
