It has been a tradition, in August when the Perseid Meteor Showers are at their peak, that the Conservancy hosts a “Starry Nights” event in Dinner Bay Park.

At 8:30 pm on August 16th, we’re pleased to have astronomy expert, Lauri Roche joining us for this coveted event! Lauri will lead us through an exploration of the night sky and a fun evening of learning about astronomy, space, and the great beyond!

In the Northern Hemisphere, we rank the August Perseids as an all-time favorite meteor shower of every year. For us, this major shower takes place during the lazy, hazy days of summer, when everyone is feeling laid back. And what could be more luxurious than taking a siesta from the heat of the day so that you are ready and raring to attend this classic summertime event in the relative coolness of night? The Mayne Island Conservancy will be hosting Award winning Astronomer, Lauri Roche, of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Victoria Centre, to guide us through the August night sky sharing tips on what to look for on your own. This is a family-oriented event! Everyone is welcome to join us. If it’s clear, we’ll have telescopes ready to scope-out some of the hidden gems of the night sky. Do YOU have a telescope that you can bring along? Let us know – email info@mayneconservancy.ca.

Bring a blanket to lie on, something warm to wrap yourselves in, a mug for a warm beverage, and join us for one of the highlights of the summer on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island!

Goodies and warm beverages by donation.

Lauri Roche has been a member of Royal Astronomical Society of Canada since 1995. She is a retired elementary and middle school teacher of many years, having used her Masters of Education from Carlton effectively to support kids with a wide range of disabilities as a special education teacher. 

Lauri has been active in Victoria Centre, volunteering for or leading countless public outreach events, including: International Astronomy Day, public nights at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO), International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009), Vancouver Island Regional Science Fairs, numerous public observing events, and bringing astronomy to the very popular Saanich (agricultural) Fair. Lauri is known for presentation skills, she likes play to the younger folk and families in the audience and have them participate in some active movement. She travels with a set of planet ”stuffies,” a constellation blanket that is used with an ultra violet flashlight so it lights up and can be seen in the dark, some star finders, and a telescope. You don’t want to miss this event.