The Odyssey of the Voyager: Talk with Dr. Ilana MacDonald
Thursday, July 30, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Lillian H. Smith — Merril Collection Reading Room, 3rd Floor
If you've ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our solar system, make your way to the Lillian H. Smith Library for a fascinating deep dive into deep space. Hosted by the institution's celebrated Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy, Dr. Ilana MacDonald from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics takes the floor to present "The Odyssey of the Voyager."
A Journey Through the Outer Solar System
Launched back in 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 set off on an epic grand tour of our outer planets, eventually pushing past the heliopause into interstellar space. Dr. MacDonald's presentation will trace these legendary voyages, highlighting their ground-breaking discoveries—from Jupiter's complex cloud belts to Saturn's intricate ring systems—and discussing what their ongoing telemetry means for humanity today.
What to Expect
The talk will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, giving attendees a chance to ask questions about cosmic exploration, astrophysics, and the current legacy of these twin mechanical ambassadors.
Located right on College Street near the edge of Chinatown and downtown Toronto, the Merril Collection reading room offers an intimate, inspiring setting for science lovers. Best of all? It's entirely free, making it an easy addition to your Thursday evening plans. Drop by, geek out over planetary science, and grab a late-night dumpling in the neighbourhood afterward.
