Observatory
The journey of the Shawnigan Observatory began in 2011 when an alumni’s neighbour on Saturna Island offered their old observatory to the School, presumably left from an Estate sale. Members of the Cowichan Valley Starfinders Club physically moved it in parts from its original home on tiny King’s Island – adjacent to Saturna Island – to the basement of the Shaw Centre, where it was housed for three years. During this time, it was reconstructed piece-by-piece, and by 2014 it was ready to be moved to its new location, on the edge of the sports fields, just northwest of the Hyde-Lay Pavilion. Its reconstruction was made possible by the generous donation of the Brister Family (Matt, Tara and Liam ’13 [Ripley’s]). In June 2017, it was officially christened the Stephen A. S. Lane Observatory.
The Astronomy Imaging and Outreach 360 activity allows students to take an active role in running the Observatory and in processing image data acquired by the telescopes. Featuring a 106mm Takahashi refractor and a 14-inch Celestron telescope, Shawnigan’s on-campus observatory brings the beauty and mysteries of the universe closer than ever. One student in the 360 reflected that “the Observatory is my creative outlet, where I get to explore deep space and create visual representations of objects that aren’t easy to picture in my mind.” Many science classes also regularly visit the Observatory.
Outside of the School, the Shawnigan Observatory has become the catalyst for many partnerships, including collaborations with the Thatcher School in California, the 30-Meter Telescope: Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit; the Japan Super Science Fair; and the Hertzberg Institute at the Little Saanich Mountain Observatory. Furthermore, Shawnigan students volunteer each year at the International Astronomy Day hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Not only do these telescopes serve to connect astronomers with each other both on and off campus, but also – quite literally – with the universe.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Outside of the School, the Shawnigan Observatory has become the catalyst for many partnerships, including collaborations with the Thatcher School in California, the 30-Meter Telescope: Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit; the Japan Super Science Fair; and the Hertzberg Institute at the Little Saanich Mountain Observatory. Furthermore, Shawnigan students volunteer each year at the International Astronomy Day hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Not only do these telescopes serve to connect astronomers with each other both on and off campus, but also – quite literally – with the universe.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
