Centre of the Universe – Victoria, British Columbia - Atlas Obscura

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Centre of the Universe

Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

A cheeky name for an observatory visitor's center. 

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The Centre of the Universe is the visitors center for the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a national historic landmark. The name “Centre of the Universe” is a play on the description “Visitors Centre” and the fact that it is at a place of astronomical research.

The CU, as it is commonly called, features galleries of information about astronomy research, the equipment used to complete it, and other astronomical topics. It is an active place of learning where approximately 90 school groups visit a year in person and more online from across Canada. There are also monthly star parties on Saturdays. The Centre of the Universe is run by a charitable non-profit called the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. New members are welcome. 

The name is also an astronomical joke as there is no unique physical central point to the universe. Spacetime is expanding from every point, and therefore all points could be considered the center of the universe from an observational point of view.

Know Before You Go

The Centre of the Universe is at the top of the hill next to the 1.8-m Plaskett Telescope. See the website for visiting times.

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April 12, 2023

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