Date/Time: Wednesday October 8, 2025 starting at 7:30PM
Location: University of Victoria, Bob Wright Centre, Lecture Theatre A104. Park in Lot 1 (pay parking) and cross Ring Road
“Northern Star – The life of Canadian astronomer J.S. Plaskett and the Canadian Space engineers of today. Based on the book “Northern Star” by Peter Broughton. Documentary hosted by Bob McDonald.
Plaskett’s pioneering work with the most massive stars and his definitive determination of the rotation of the Milky Way Galaxy earned him international recognition of the highest order.
Our Host Bob McDonald (CBC Science Journalist) explores Plaskett’s fascinating life, from his rural roots on his father’s farm in Ontario to his most significant achievement: convincing the government of Canada, despite the strictures of the First World War, to finance what was then the world’s largest telescope.
A documentary on the life of J.S. Plaskett is a fascinating and captivating story for several reasons. His groundbreaking discoveries laid the foundation for Canada’s role as a world leader in astronomy and, later, space exploration and understanding of the universe.
Part one will take us from his early roots, growing up on a farm in Ontario, to building the largest telescope in the world in Victoria, BC, in 1918
Part two starts with his amazing discoveries and Plaskett’s interactions and collaborations with fellow astronomers, scientists, and thinkers of his time.
Then, we will ask: What resulted from Plaskett’s putting Canada on the world science map?
New Canadian science projects are created, such as the CHIME and CORD radio telescopes in Penticton.
We will explore Canada’s role in space exploration. The first satellites and the legs of the Apollo Lunar Module were built in Quebec. The robotic arms on NASA’s space shuttles and the International Space Station were created by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), as were sensors and instruments currently observing the universe on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Canadian Astronauts David Saint-Jaques and Jeremy Hansen will talk about their achievements in space. Finding solutions for industry and medicine. And the upcoming space flight around the moon.
The Documentary “Northern Star” will serve as a source of inspiration and encourage young minds to pursue careers in science, astronomy, and exploration by showcasing the life and achievements of such a brilliant and influential figure as John Stanley Plaskett. It will ignite curiosity and foster a love for knowledge among viewers.
In summary, a documentary on J.S. Plaskett is a great story because it combines the excitement of scientific discovery with human emotion, historical context, and potential for inspiring future generations.
Nick Versteeg, Producer/Director, DV Productions / DV Cuisine
For the past 40 years Nick has been producing and directing documentaries for television, A&E, The A&E History Channel (The Legacy of Truk Lagoon and The Bikini Atoll), Discovery Channel (The Maya Civilization), CBC (They Came to Stay) and CTV (The Canadian Cross Country Championship).
Nick has also specialized in the culinary field with DVCuisine and produced a variety of specials for the US and Canadian Food Network and co-produced 2 seasons of “The Next Great Chef”, an 11 part series for Global Television, which won four LEO Awards and as producer he was also nominated twice for a Gemini Award.
His claim to fame has undoubtedly been the amazing five minutes video on the Cowichan Valley called “Once Upon A Day-Cowichan”, which has had 300,000 hits or more on Youtube and Vimeo combined, for which he has received numerous awards. He also produced an 8-minute promotional video on the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC, “A Year at Butchart Gardens” and recently produced several historical vignettes for the Mill Bay Heritage Museum.
