Observatory
Imagine walking a few steps from physics class to peer through the lens of a telescope. Imagine following celestial events as they happen, surrounded by passionate, informed teachers, inside a research-grade observatory. 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.
With its rural setting and low light pollution, Shawnigan is an ideal place for stargazing. Our students produce some amazing images with this equipment and the facility inspires both artists and scientists. Our artists have exhibited their images in local shows including the Sooke Fine Art Fair, and our scientists have taken their astronomy research to the Japan Super Science Fair.
The observatory has strong ties to the Cowichan Valley Star Finders Club. We welcome members of the community to share in this amazing facility, and to join us as we travel to distant stars and back in time.
Observatory News
List of 2 news stories.
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Reaching for the Stars
Read MoreA star in the field of astronomy and astrophysics spent two weeks on campus just prior to the November Break, and in that short time shared his extensive knowledge of the cosmos, physics and coding, and inspired both students and staff at Shawnigan.Dr. Jon Swift, an astrophysicist and the Director of the Observatory at Thacher School in Ojai, California, made countless contributions to the School during his short tenure as Astronomer in Residence.“The work he did with all the science students, particularly the Grade 10s, was incredible,” said Mr. Nigel Mayes, Assistant Head Co-Curricular and science teacher. “He focused on what we do know and what we don’t know. He’s charismatic and engaging, and he could get the kids to really think.” -
SOUL-ar System
With our rural setting and low light pollution, Shawnigan is an ideal place for stargazing. Throughout the school year, our students have many opportunities to use our on-campus research-grade observatory. Although the School shifted to online learning at the end of March, Head of Science Nigel Mayes and Grade 11 student Keely R. have kept the program alive by guiding our community through remote operation of our own observatory as well as creating opportunities to take control of telescopes abroad – including the Faulkes Telescope Network in Hawaii and the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia.Read More
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 West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
