Introduction: A night under the stars travels far from the city
In rural Manitoba, the cosmos rarely stops for a town clock. Yet one man, Kenton Dyck, has made it his mission to prove that the universe doesn’t stay confined to big-city observatories. A welder by trade and an accidental astronomer by calling, Dyck hauls a substantial twelve-inch telescope into parking lots and parks across the Pembina Valley, inviting strangers to glimpse infinity.
From hobby to outreach: a pandemic pivot that expanded into a mission
Dyck’s journey began in the COVID-19 era, when many found themselves with more time indoors. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a public service. “There wasn’t an astronomy club anywhere south of Winnipeg,” he recalls. “If I’m going to do this, I might as well go big.” Going big meant procuring a telescope roughly the size of a toddler and founding the Pembina Valley Astro Club. What began as a modest project has become a one-man roadshow that travels across eleven thousand square kilometres, offering free stargazing to everyone who passes by a DQ or a local soccer field.
Why people pause and look up: the moment of awe
For many, the first reaction to a look through the eyepiece is universal: a pause, a breath, and an exhale of wonder—“Oh. Wow.” Those moments aren’t just pretty; they are the essence of Dyck’s work. He frames the telescope as a doorway to experiences that remind people of their place in the vast cosmos, while keeping the event accessible and free of charge. The telescope becomes a bridge between a small town and a much larger universe, a reminder that celestial mechanics play out in real time, even from the Prairies.
The technology, the reach, the humbleness
Technology, smart telescopes, and modern astrophotography have made the universe feel closer than ever. Dyck’s online presence—his growing Instagram following with tens of thousands of views per month—complements his in-person outreach, but he insists the value isn’t in metrics. It’s in the gasp of discovery: that moment when a person realizes they are looking at something far beyond their everyday life. The digital lens broadens the audience, yet the intimate, tactile experience remains at the core of his mission.
A recognition that mirrors the work: national honors in a local setting
Earlier this year, Dyck received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service in bringing astronomy to southern Manitoba. He downplays the honour with characteristic humility, acknowledging it as a personal milestone rather than a competition. “If it were a competition, I would have lost,” he says with a smile. The medal acknowledges not only the telescope’s travels but also the ripple effect of curiosity he’s sparked in communities like Carman, Clearwater, and Somerset.
Local impact: sponsorships and a growing community
The Pembina Valley Astro Club has evolved into a community-supported initiative. Sponsors, including Schinkel Properties, help cover fuel costs and even fund a second telescope, enabling closer access to the night sky for more towns. On most nights, 40 to 50 people gather with necks craned toward the sky, waiting for their turn to witness lunar craters or Saturn’s bands. Between the gravel roads and the gas giants, Dyck has found a vocation that feels right: not welding, not online fame, but the simple joy of looking up and feeling both small and infinite.
Looking ahead: the universe as a shared local experience
For now, Dyck continues to travel, to listen for the quiet gasp of wonder, and to remind people that the universe can be a local affair. He invites curious neighbors to join the journey, whether through a live viewing or a digital update on Instagram. In a world often defined by screens, his work argues for real-world encounters with the skies—a reminder that cosmic scale can be achieved one small town at a time.
To follow the Pembina Valley Astro Club, find @astroclubpv on Instagram or reach out by email at astroclubpv@gmail.com. — Steven Sukkau
