Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

Friends of the DAO (Dominion Astrophysical Observatory) hosted a free "Star Party" this evening at the self-proclaimed Centre of the Universe. Many activities and presentations were scheduled for all ages to learn more about the DAO, its Plaskett telescope,  and astronomy in general.

In 1914, Victoria was selected as the site for what was then to have been the world's largest reflector (72 inches). The location was deemed ideal due to its moderate climate and stable city size.  The First World War caused delays in construction and the telescope did not become operational until 1918. By that time, the Plaskett telescope was eclipsed from being the world's largest by the Hooker telescope at the Mt. Wilson Observatory near Pasadena, California.