Cosmic Nights: Origins - Birth of the Universe (19+)

Discover pivotal findings that have led to greater knowledge of our universe. Learn about the first two weeks of the universe that laid critical foundations for the cosmos that followed. Experience a live demonstration about the latest Nancy Grace Roman telescope. This unique event will feature presentations by our very own H.R. MacMillan Space Centre staff experts and our partners from TRIUMF! Enjoy delicious custom Cosmic Cocktails crafted by Brat Potions! Planetarium Show Neil deGrasse Tyson: Dark Universe The award-winning space show Dark Universe celebrates the pivotal discoveries that have led to greater knowledge of the universe and our place in it. Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, highlights of Dark Universe include the Milky Way galaxy spangled with exploding supernovas, novel renderings of phenomena like dark matter, and spectacular scenes of spacecraft such as the Galileo probe's breathtaking plunge into Jupiter's atmosphere. This immersive 360° film is hosted by our Astronomer Dr. Rosanna Tilbrook, who will take you on a journey through the Universe on the largest of scales. From our place in the local cosmic neighbourhood to the vast web of galaxies stretching across billions of light-years, discover how astronomers map and explore the Universe around us. Auditorium Lecture The First Two Weeks of the Universe - by David McKeen, Theoretical Physicist at TRIUMF How did our Universe go from a hot, dense beginning to the galaxies and stars we see today? This talk takes us back to the first two weeks after the Big Bang, a critical period that laid the foundations for the cosmos that followed. Along the way, we’ll explore the mysterious role of dark matter, a key ingredient in the formation of cosmic structures that remains one of science’s greatest mysteries. Discover what we know, what we don’t, and how scientists are working to uncover the nature of dark matter. Live Science Demo Nancy Roman: Mother of the Space Telescope Join our Senior Interpreter Matthew Cimone for a live demonstration at the Groundstation Canada Theatre. In late August, NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, a next-generation space observatory with a mission to better understand the nature of Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and reveal hidden rogue planets in the Milky Way. Named after NASA’s first astronomer, Nancy Grace Roman is considered the “Mother” of space telescopes. Learn about Grace’s legacy, and the Roman Telescope’s mission through live science demonstrations at Ground Station Canada