Saanich observatory hosts free peek at moon ahead of Artemis II mission
Published 2:00 pm Friday, January 30, 2026
Perched atop a small Saanich mountain, the Centre of the Universe will host a free preview event for the Artemis II Mission on Saturday (Jan. 31).
The centre, at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, offers visitors an in-depth look at humanity’s next journey toward the moon ahead of the mission scheduled to launch as early as Feb. 6.
Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program and will include Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, marking a historic milestone for Canada’s role in human space exploration. The Preview to Launch event will explore the science, technology, and the Gateway Project featuring the international collaboration behind the mission, and what Artemis II represents for the future of lunar exploration.
The evening will feature presentations, multimedia experiences, and opportunities for guided discussion, all set against the backdrop of one of Canada’s most significant astronomical sites. The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, opened in 1918, has played a foundational role in Canada’s scientific history and continues to inspire public engagement with the universe.
The event is open to the public.
Tickets are required, but free, and available at centreoftheuniverse.org.
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