York University Observatory

The Allan I. Carswell Observatory is an astronomical facility at York University with a main telescope and several smaller viewing instruments for observing the night sky. The setup allows visitors and students to study celestial objects from the university's campus location.

The facility was founded in 1969 and received its current name in 2017 to honor Allan Ian Carswell, an Emeritus Professor of Physics at York University. This naming recognized his contributions to astronomy research and education at the institution.

People gather here on clear nights to look through the telescopes and learn about stars and planets from knowledgeable guides. The Wednesday evening sessions bring together students, families, and astronomy fans from across the city.

Admission is free and you can look through multiple telescopes during special astronomy events. Plan your visit according to weather conditions, as clear nights are needed to enjoy the stargazing.

The facility is home to one of Canada's largest university-based telescopes, distinguished by its significant size among similar institutions. Several portable instruments complement the main equipment, offering flexibility for different observation sessions.