Why is the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre running the observatory?
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada had as one of its charter members Dr. Clarence Chant, the University of Toronto professor who built the David Dunlap Observatory with the funds given to the university by Jessie Dunlap. Ever since the Observatory opened in 1935, RASC members have been bringing our telescopes to set up on the grounds during public observing nights. We are a part of the observatory, helping to prove that “the stars belong to everyone,” as Helen Sawyer Hogg once said. Also, helping to preserve an historic observatory so that future generations of scientists can be inspired and educated is part of the official mandate of the RASC, which is “to stimulate interest and to promote and increase knowledge in astronomy and related sciences”, and “to acquire and maintain equipment, libraries and other property necessary for the pursuit of its aims”. Metrus Development purchased the property in 2008 and indicated its keen interest in having an astronomy club continue the Obs
