Hello Friend

As an amateur astronomer who shares a deep appreciation for the wonders of the night sky, I  wanted to reach out to you with an urgent request for support. Recently, a devastating incident occurred at the observatory and clubhouse of the local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in Hamilton, a place I had the pleasure of visiting several years ago when the trees were still small. They are now facing significant challenges in their mission to provide a vital public service.

The Hamilton astronomy group has long been a beacon of inspiration and knowledge, tirelessly working to ignite curiosity and promote the beauty of the starry skies above. Their observatory serves as a crucial resource for amateur astronomers and the wider public alike, enabling individuals to explore the cosmos and experience unforgettable moments of awe.

However, this cherished facility fell victim to a reprehensible act of vandalism earlier this month. Extensive damage was inflicted upon the observatory and clubhouse, leaving the dedicated members devastated and facing substantial financial burdens. The losses they have incurred, both in terms of equipment and structural damage, amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

(see Video link below) 

I personally recall the passion and dedication displayed by the Hamilton astronomy group during my visit to their observatory. They provide an invaluable public service by creating opportunities for people of all ages to access telescopes, observe celestial wonders, and gain a deeper understanding of our universe.

Their commitment to fostering

 a sense of wonder and igniting the spark of curiosity is truly commendable.

At this critical juncture, the Hamilton astronomy group is in dire need of support from fellow enthusiasts like us. By making a donation, we can contribute to the restoration of their observatory, allowing them to continue providing this vital public service to the community. The estimated costs for repairing equipment alone range from $50,000 to $65,000, while the overall expenses for rebuilding the structures are anticipated to exceed $100,000.

To assist in their recovery efforts, the group has set up a GoFundMe campaign, which can be accessed at GoFundMe Every contribution, regardless of its size, will have a significant impact on their ability to rebuild and resume their mission of inspiring others through the wonders of astronomy. If financial support is not possible at this time, simply sharing their campaign with others who may be interested can make a difference.

Let us unite as a community of amateur astronomers, driven by our shared passion, to ensure that the Hamilton astronomy group can overcome this setback. Together, we can help restore their observatory and clubhouse, allowing them to continue serving as a vital public resource for generations to come.

Thank you for considering this urgent request and for your unwavering support for amateur astronomy. By standing together, we can demonstrate the resilience of our community and the enduring power of our shared love for the night sky.

Clear skies and unwavering enthusiasm,

Ray Khan

   PS  Video of damage done to Hamilton Observatory (CHCH news)
           by a man and woman, caught on video.