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Astronomer In Residence Program

Ontario Parks

Killarney Parks and the Allan I. Carswell Observatory present, a new Astronomy outreach endeavour, the Astronomer in Residence program!

Apply to join this exciting chance to share your love of astronomy in the wonderful outdoors of the dark sky site at Killarney provincial park with live, in-person tours as well as remote events.

Follow along with recent adventures at Killarney Park with the Astronomer in Residence Blog. Note that the 2024 season has ended but 2025 will have a limited number of stipends (at $400 per week). If you apply, make sure to indicate in the form if this is a limiting factor in your application. 2025 applications will open in February.

2024 applications closed! See Information below

 Remembering Blake Nancarrow: Our first astronomer in residence from 2022, Blake was an amazing innovator and educator in astronomy, especially in Ontario. Blake kicked off this program with great effort and wonderful imaging. Unfortunately Blake passed away in 2023, but he will remain forever a star in our skies and his blog will remain featured in our archives here.

Astrophotography by Bruce Waters using the Killarney Park Observatory Telescopes.

Highlights


THE PROGRAM

The program comes with free parking and lodging. A limited number of stipends are available and can be requested in the application form.

Candidates are expected to be fluent in general astronomy knowledge, stargazing, and telescope operations.

Candidate Expectations


APPLYING

2024 applications will are closed. 2025 applications open in February. RASC badges are recognised in the AIR application. Earn badges as well while visiting. 2024 Closed!

Follow along with 2024 AIRs!

AIR Schedule


MAKING THE TRIP

Find all the information you need to make your trip a successful one.

Astronomers are required to provide their own transportation.

Important Trip Information

Observatory on YouTube

In this video, Killarney Provincial Parks Jeremy Pawson and Shawn Spencer discuss why dark skies aren’t just good for astronomy, they also help animals and ecosystems survive.

Find more videos on our channel

AIR Candidate Resources