Thanks to a $2.7M gift from the Trottier Family Foundation, Simon Fraser University is bringing the universe to local astronomers and stargazers.

So don’t miss our very special Starry Nights star party on Friday evening, Apr. 17, to celebrate the opening of the Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard at the Burnaby campus.

The observatory’s 0.7-meter reflector telescope, one of B.C.’s largest, can track billion-years-old distant galaxies for a breathtaking view of the heavens.

Or, set up your own telescope in the Science Courtyard, which features illuminated star charts, green walls and a sundial.

Bad weather? Don’t worry. SFU physics professor Howard Trottier, aka Mr. Starry Nights, will give a short presentation and trivia quiz in lecture hall C9002 in the Academic Quadrangle.

The new observatory is adjacent to Strand Hall at the east end of the Burnaby campus, and just west of the eastern bus loop. The free Starry Nights event runs from 8-11 p.m. Free parking is available in Lot B. Please RSVP.