✦THE DISTANT SUNOBSERVATORY

NORTHERN ONTARIO · A PERSONAL OBSERVATORY

A little closer
to the infinite.

A quiet place beneath the stars.
A lifelong curiosity that keeps looking up.

Discover Distant Sun ↓
THE DISTANT SUN OBSERVATORYExplore. Wonder. Look again.

01 / THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

Some things stay
with you.

A song. A first glimpse through a telescope. The feeling that there is so much more to discover.

Crowded House’s Distant Sun arrived at a time when an interest in astronomy was becoming a lasting passion. Its lyrics left an impression—and eventually gave this observatory its name.

Today, The Distant Sun Observatory brings that personal connection to the skies of Northern Ontario. It is a place for observing, making images, and sharing the curiosity that started it all.

The Distant Sun Observatory logo: a compass with four illuminated moons, a single gold star and stardust above hills and a small observatory
One distant star. A shared sense of wonder.

02 / THROUGH THE LENS

The sky, from here.

A moment beneath the Milky Way.
The beginning of a growing image collection.

Photography · The Distant Sun Observatory · Select the image for a closer look.

PLAN A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

The Moon & the sky.

A little preparation for your next
evening looking up.

MOON PHASE · NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

Calculating…

Next new Moon —Next full Moon —

Approximate phase, illumination and dates calculated from the average lunar cycle. Dates use Thunder Bay time. Diagram is schematic; no rise or set times are implied.

OBSERVING FORECAST · THUNDER BAY

Clear Sky Chart

Check the regional forecast before setting up. The live chart brings together cloud cover, atmospheric seeing and sky darkness to help you plan an observing session.

Open the live Clear Sky Chart

External forecast from ClearDarkSky, using Canadian Meteorological Centre data. Opens in a new tab. Thunder Bay is a regional reference; conditions at the observatory may differ.

03 / A PLACE TO LOOK UP

Rooted in the north.
Looking far beyond.

The observatory is home to a pier-mounted 14-inch Meade telescope, used to explore and photograph the night sky.

A long-standing passion for amateur astronomy extends beyond the telescope, through public outreach and helping others discover what is overhead.

14″MEADE SCTASI2600MCASTRONOMY CAMERAOntarioCANADA

04 / SUPPORT THE JOURNEY

Bring a little of
the night sky home.

Ideas taking shape for supporting
the observatory’s next chapter.

◉IN DEVELOPMENT

Prints from the sky

A selection of astrophotography from the observatory, with the stories behind the images.

Collection coming soon
✦IN DEVELOPMENT

Wear your curiosity

Observatory apparel and everyday favourites featuring the Distant Sun emblem.

Merchandise coming soon
☾BEING EXPLORED

Learn to look up

Future online learning opportunities for curious beginners and developing astrophotographers.

Details to follow

The shop is not open yet. Products, pricing and learning sessions will be announced when they are ready.

05 / ASTRONOMY IS BETTER SHARED

Find your people.
Share the sky.

You don’t need a telescope to begin—just curiosity and a willingness to look up.

Learning alongside other skywatchers can turn a passing interest into a lasting passion. From your first constellation to a new imaging technique, there is always something to discover together.

YOUR LOCAL ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY

RASC Thunder Bay Centre

The local astronomy club welcomes people with an interest in the night sky, from beginners to experienced observers. Explore its website for club information, observing activities and opportunities to connect.

Visit the Thunder Bay Centre
Club event calendar ↗RASC national website ↗

Check directly with the club for current dates and arrangements.

LET YOUR CURIOSITY LEAD

Ask the
observatory.

A question about the night sky? Curious about a photograph or the telescope behind it?

Ask your question privately. Your message will go to the observatory, rather than appearing as a public comment.

Questions and curious minds are welcome. Please include your email address so we can reply.

Private enquiry

Your name, email and message are sent through Formspree to the observatory so we can respond. They are not posted publicly. Please avoid including sensitive personal information. Formspree privacy policy ↗

THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO DISCOVER

Keep looking up.

Back to the stars ↑
Full view of the Milky Way above trees

The Milky Way · Photography · The Distant Sun Observatory