Halifax 
Overview
About Burke-Gaffney Observatory
Named in honour of Reverend M. W. Burke-Gaffney , S. J (1896-1979), the founder of the Department of astronomy at St. Mary’s University, the Burke-Gaffney Observatory and its Dr. Ralph M. Medjuck Telescope are primary used for undergraduate astronomy education, public outreach, and modest research projects. The observatory was opened in 1972 with a 16-inch Ealing telescope, which was extensively upgraded and renovated in 2013.
Burke-Gaffney Observatory is the World’s First Twitter Controlled Observatory. Observers can get images of astronomical objects through the robotic controlled The Burke-Gaffney Observatory, with its Ralph Medjuck CDK24 telescope. Authorised visitors/users can interact with it using either Twitter or Email and the program live tweets its activities.
What to Do at Burke-Gaffney Observatory?
Things to Do
Visit during public open house to gain a deeper understanding of constellations, learn about sky lore, and to observe stellar objects through portable telescopes.
The observatory also offer free evening private tours for groups of people.
Open House ~ 2 hrs.
Who all can visit the observatory?
Everybody.
Open houses suitable for about ages 8 and up.
When to visit Burke-Gaffney Observatory?
Hours
Public Open house – Schedule
2nd and 4th Friday of each month from October to May | 7 pm between November 1 and March 30 & 8 pm during other months.
Every Friday June through September. | 8 pm or later (depending on when it gets dark enough)
The event may be cancelled due to various reasons including weather conditions and holidays.
How much will it cost to visit Burke-Gaffney Observatory?
Admission
Free Admission, but tickets needs to be reserved as there are only 24 tickets for each event.
How to get tickets?
Online
How to get to Burke-Gaffney Observatory?
Location & Directions:
The observatory is located on the roof of the 22-storey Loyola Residence tower .
Address:
5865 Gorsebrook Ave, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
Lat: 44.630570, Lon: -63.580473
Get Directions from Your Location
For public open house: Meet in the lobby (next to the residence desk and the Art Gallery) of the Loyola Residence Building.
Free Parking
What about amenities and accessibility?
Accessibility
Limited accessibility.
Amenities
Wash rooms