Jack Newton – 1942-2025 – In Memoriam

Jack Newton at Observatory B&B in Osoyoos, BC, Canada

Jack Newton’s extensive biography includes a lot of “firsts” in amateur astronomy, including some unique discoveries. Jack has many honours in his (and Alice’s) name, including minor planet 30840, Jackalice = 1991 GC2, and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s (RASC) Chant Medal and Ken Chilton Prize were both awarded to Jack.

Jack was president of three RASC centres: Winnipeg, Toronto & Victoria. Victoria Centre named their service award the Newton Ball Award after Jack and fellow member George Ball. Jack was a Life Member of RASC. Jack published six books on amateur astronomy and astrophotography.

Alex Schmid and Joe Carr honoured

Minor planet 578249 Josephcarr discovery images

Two RASC Victoria Centre members who have long served both our membership and the public to promote astronomy and science have been honoured by NRC astronomer Dave Balam, discoverer of many Minor Planets found within our solar system.

Published today on behalf of the International Astronomical Union by the WG Small Bodies Nomenclature in their Bulletin Vol 5, #25 for 2025 Nov 3: (568092) Alexschmid = 2003 QF117 and (578249) Josephcarr = 2013 YY81.

Sid Sidhu – 1938-2025 – In Memoriam

Sid Sidhu receiving the Newton-Ball Service award in 2025 from Chris Gainor and Randy Enkin

It is with deep sadness that I share the news that our dear friend and longtime member, Sid Sidhu, passed away this weekend.

Sid was a stalwart of everything good about the RASC. He was an unwavering champion of our school program, a tireless supporter of public outreach, and a cherished friend to so many of us. His contributions to our Centre and to astronomy education in our community are immeasurable, and his absence will be profoundly felt.

Dan Posey, President, RASC Victoria Centre

President’s Message – October 2025

David Dunlap Observatory telescope

As fall settles over Victoria and we are faced with what may be the last stretches of clear evening skies (for a time at least), I hope everyone has a chance to wind up any lingering observing projects.

Looking back at the summer there was so much activity from our society that I failed to share a summer highlight of my own: a visit to the David Dunlap Observatory in July.

For those who haven’t had a chance to work with one of these large telescopes up close, I’m pleased to announce our next Plaskett Night, scheduled for October 25. As always, it’s a special opportunity to use the 1.8m telescope and chase down some faint targets.

Northern Star – Documentary

2025-Northern Star-banner

The history of astronomy in Canada and Victoria in particular is the subject of a documentary series that will appear on CHEK television on June 13 and 20, 2025.

The two-part documentary, Northern Star, tells the story of John S. Plaskett, the Ontario farm boy who grew up to become the founding father of astrophysics in Canada. Plaskett spearheaded the construction of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) just north of Victoria that is equipped with a giant telescope that was for a few months in 1918 the largest operating telescope on Earth.

President’s Message – March 2025

Evening at the Plaskett - Star trails of Pleiades, Taurus and Orion dominate the sky behind the historic Plaskett telescope

Being asked to step into the role of President for the RASC has put me into a reflective mood. Future versions of this column will likely feature ruminences on what the RASC means to new members, the incredible contributions the society has made to the community over the last 111 years, and the wonderful friendships we all benefit from being in a group of like-minded individuals. Today, I’m going to focus on something unique to RASC Victoria, which is the opportunity to request a handful of nights on the 1.8 meter Plaskett telescope each year. – Dan Posey