Terence Dickinson
Canadian amateur astronomer, author, and founder of SkyNews magazine.
Terence Dickinson (10 November 1943 – 1 February 2023) was a Canadian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer based near Yarker, Ontario. He wrote 14 books on astronomy for both children and adults, and was the founder and first editor of *SkyNews* magazine. He also worked as an astronomy commentator for Discovery Channel Canada and taught at St. Lawrence College, and made appearances at venues such as the Ontario Science Centre. In 1994, the International Astronomical Union’s committee on Minor Planet Nomenclature named asteroid 5272 Dickinson after him, citing his talent for explaining the universe in plain language.
Dickinson was born in Toronto. His interest in astronomy began at age five, when he saw a bright meteor outside his home. At 14, he received a 60 mm telescope for Christmas—the first of nearly 20 he would own. He worked as editor of *Astronomy* magazine (1974–75) and as a planetarium instructor before becoming a full-time science writer in 1976. His honours include the 1993 Michael Smith Award for Public Promotion of Science from Industry Canada, the 1993 Canadian Science Writers’ Association Award (first place for science and technology writing), and the Royal Canadian Institute’s Sandford Fleming Medal in 1992. In 1995 he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific gave him the Klumpke-Roberts Award in 1996, and Queen’s University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2019.
In 1983, Dickinson published *NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe*, which contains star charts, tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, planet locations, and other illustrations. The *Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society* called it the essential star-watching guide for amateur astronomers of all experience levels, and it became the world’s best-selling manual for amateur stargazing. He published twelve titles internationally, mostly through Firefly Books. Dickinson died on 1 February 2023 at age 79.
- Born
- 10 November 1943
- Died
- 1 February 2023
- Birthplace
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Residence
- near Yarker, Ontario, Canada
- Number of books authored
- 14
- Asteroid named after him
- 5272 Dickinson
- Year asteroid named
- 1994
Lore & Background
Dickinson became interested in astronomy at age five after seeing a bright meteor from just outside his family's home. At age 14 he received a 60 mm telescope as a Christmas present, the first of nearly 20 telescopes he owned. Past occupations included editor of Astronomy magazine (1974-75) and planetarium instructor. He became a full-time science writer in 1976. In 1983, he published NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe, which includes star charts, tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, planet locations, and other illustrations. The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society described NightWatch as the essential star-watching guide for amateur astronomers of all levels of experience, and it became the world's best-selling manual for amateur stargazing. Dickinson internationally published twelve titles, primarily through Firefly Books.
Reader's Guide
Dickinson's significance lies in his ability to make astronomy accessible to a wide audience. His book NightWatch became the world's best-selling manual for amateur stargazing, praised by the Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society as essential for all experience levels. He received numerous awards for public promotion of science, including the 1993 Industry Canada's Michael Smith Award, the 1993 Canadian Science Writers' Association Award First Place, and the Royal Canadian Institute's Sandford Fleming Medal in 1992. In 1995 he was made a Member of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian achievement award. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific awarded him the Klumpke-Roberts Award in 1996, and he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Queen's University in 2019. His legacy includes founding SkyNews magazine and teaching at St. Lawrence College, as well as appearances at venues such as the Ontario Science Centre.
Did You Know?
- Dickinson saw a bright meteor at age five, sparking his interest in astronomy.
- He owned nearly 20 telescopes over his lifetime, starting with a 60 mm telescope received as a Christmas gift at age 14.
- Asteroid 5272 Dickinson was named after him in 1994 by the International Astronomical Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Terence Dickinson?
Terence Dickinson was a Canadian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer who lived near Yarker, Ontario. He spent his career writing astronomy books for young and adult readers, hosting television segments, and teaching at St. Lawrence College. He passed away on 1 February 2023.
How many books did Terence Dickinson write?
Dickinson authored fourteen books covering astronomy topics aimed at both children and adult audiences. His writing made the night sky accessible to a wide range of readers across Canada and beyond.
What is SkyNews magazine and what role did Terence Dickinson play in it?
SkyNews is a magazine focused on astronomy, and Dickinson was both its founder and its first editor. He launched the publication to give amateur stargazers a dedicated source of news and observation tips.
What asteroid is named after Terence Dickinson?
In 1994, the IAU's Minor Planet Nomenclature committee designated asteroid 5272 Dickinson in his honour. The naming recognized his exceptional ability to make astronomy understandable to the general public.
Where did Terence Dickinson live and what were his main professional roles?
Based near Yarker, Ontario, Dickinson worked as an astronomy commentator for Discovery Channel Canada, taught at St. Lawrence College, and appeared at public venues like the Ontario Science Centre. His home life and career were deeply rooted in the Canadian amateur astronomy community.
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