Explore Canada and Europe from space

Proudly presented by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada

This year, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, we are inviting you to discover Canada and Europe’s spectacular natural beauty in a new light through a collection of 24 satellite images captured by Copernicus Sentinels, especially curated for this occasion.

Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver!

Ottawa photo exhibit launched!

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada inaugurated Copernicus: Where art meets science on 3 June in Ottawa, the first in a series of Canada-wide photo exhibits featuring satellite images of Canada and Europe’s natural beauty.

Organized in partnership with Sparks Street Business Improvement Association, the Ottawa outdoor exhibit was officially kicked off by European Union Ambassador Melita Gabrič, together with Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Sparks Street BIA. The exhibit will be on show at 100 Sparks St. until 6 September.

We invite you to visit the exhibit on your next walk downtown. Please remember to follow public health protocols, including distancing and masking rules, while viewing the exhibit.

This photo exhibition, especially curated for the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada this year, is possible thanks to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space.

Named after the illustrious Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

Copernicus: Where art meets science is presented both as a virtual and in-situ experience in several Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver, this year.

Thank you to our Ottawa exhibit host:

Copernicus: Where art meets science on show at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto

We are delighted to collaborate with MaRS Discovery District in bringing this exclusive collection of satellite images to Toronto. Copernicus: Where art meets science is the first-ever pan-Canadian Copernicus photo exhibit.

Especially curated for the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, the exhibit is brought to you thanks to the support of European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space.

Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

“We invite you to discover Canada and Europe’s majestic beauty from a different perspective, in a new light, through a collection of 24 satellite images. These images were captured by Copernicus Sentinels - a set of dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth since 2014,” said Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada. “Canada and the European Union are strong believers in data sharing and open science - and we have gained new understanding of the importance of science, research and innovation in the wake of the pandemic.”

At the recent EU-Canada Summit in Brussels, EU and Canadian leaders acknowledged the socioeconomic benefits of space and the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, with particular consideration to the impacts on the Arctic. Canada and the EU share a commitment to ensuring that space remains free of conflict so that all humanity can benefit from the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

“We're thrilled to mark Canada's strong and committed partnership with the EU. This exhibit showcases the intersection of art, advanced satellite technology and the geographies of our two jurisdictions. Bringing innovators from diverse backgrounds together is a priority at MaRS and we're pleased to work in close collaboration with Ambassador Gabrič and Canadian Ambassador to the EU, Ailish Campbell, to do so,” said Cory Mulvihill, Vice-President, ecosystem development, MaRS. “While we look forward to welcoming the general public back into the MaRS Centre as soon as possible, we are glad to be able to inspire visitors to the virtual exhibit as well as those receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations at our clinic hosted in partnership with the University Health Network (UHN)."

Copernicus: Where art meets science will be on display at MaRS Discovery District until 31 December 2021.

Make sure to check it out next time you drop by, and make sure to follow public health protocols.

Thank you to our Toronto exhibit host:

Copernicus: Where art meets science travels to Alberta

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada, in partnership with TELUS World of Science - Edmonton is inviting you to discover Canada and Europe’s spectacular natural beauty through a collection of 24 satellite images captured by Copernicus Sentinels, especially curated for this pan-Canadian photo exhibit.

"We would like thank our friends at TELUS World of Science for hosting this special photo exhibit in Edmonton, a city also featured in this unique collection of satellite images,” said Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada. Canada and the European Union are strong believers in data sharing and open science - and we have certainly gained new understanding of the importance of science, research and innovation in the wake of the pandemic".

Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

"We are thrilled to be hosting Copernicus: Where Art Meets Science at the science centre,” said Alan Nursall, President and CEO of TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. “This photo exhibit showcases spectacular satellite images of Canada and Europe using advanced satellite technology to present Earth as a piece of art. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our guests to see unique portraits of our extraordinary planet. We are proud to share this important partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Canada with Edmontonians and Albertans."

At the EU-Canada Summit in June, EU and Canadian leaders acknowledged the socioeconomic benefits of space and the importance of international collaboration in addressing such global challenges as climate change. Canada and the EU share a commitment to ensuring that space remains free of conflict so that all humanity can benefit from the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Copernicus: Where art meets science is possible thanks to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, the Delegation of the European Union to Canada and our generous exhibit hosts.

Copernicus: Where art meets science will be on show at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton until 21 December 2022.

Thank you to our Edmonton exhibit host:

Copernicus: Where art meets science on show in Halifax

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada, in partnership with with the Discovery Centre is inviting you to discover Canada and Europe’s spectacular natural beauty through a collection of 24 satellite images captured by Copernicus Sentinels, especially curated for this pan-Canadian photo exhibit.

Especially curated for the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, the exhibit is possible thanks to the generous support of European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. The images featured in this exhibit were captured by Copernicus Sentinels, a set of dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth since 2014.

“This exhibit offers a wonderful occasion to admire the beauty of our Planet Earth and the variety of its vistas from space, while highlighting the importance of science, research and innovation to our collective well-being,” said Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada. “We would like to thank our friends at the Discovery Centre in Halifax for hosting this unique exhibit.”

Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

As strategic partners, Canada and the EU acknowledge the socioeconomic benefits of space and the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, with particular consideration to the impacts on the Arctic. We share a commitment to ensuring that space remains free of conflict so that all humanity can benefit from the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

“It’s exciting to see the Discovery Centre’s large nine-metre screen come to life with the truly stunning satellite images of our planet’s landscapes,” said Dov Bercovici, President and CEO of the Discovery Centre. “We’re proud to be hosting this exhibit in the heart of Halifax, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.”

Copernicus: Where art meets science will be on display at Discovery Centre in Halifax until 1 October 2021.

Thank you to our Halifax exhibit host:

Copernicus: Where art meets science on show in Montréal

On show until 13 March 2022

What can we learn about Earth from 800 kilometres away?

Planet Earth is a piece of art and perspective is everything.

Come admire some of the most iconic Canadian and European landscapes through a unique collection of 24 remarkable images captured by a constellation of satellites called the Copernicus Sentinels.

Marvel at immensely beautiful images each accompanied by fascinating narratives about the ecosystems captured by these special satellites.

From above Europe, discover phytoplankton bloom in the Barents Sea and sea glaciers in the Alps and explore the land of the midnight sun in Norway and fall foliage phenomena in Italy’s Abruzzo National Park.

From above Canada, admire spectacular views of melting ice caps in Nunavut and Labrador Sea ice swirls and see for yourself why the Manicouagan Reservoir is called the Eye of Québec.

Featuring natural colour images and special visualizations, discover the striking colours and wondrous shapes and patterns that reflect the majesty of nature, from ice and water to vegetation, rock, and soil.

The Copernicus Sentinels were named after Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance-era astronomer and mathematician credited for Heliocentric Theory of the universe, the idea that the planets revolve around the sun instead of the Earth.

Eyes on the Earth

The EU Copernicus Earth Observation Programme —called Europe’s eyes on Earth— is at the forefront of Earth observation data. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission includes two twin satellites equipped with a multispectral sensor providing data in 13 different spectral bands.

Thanks to these onboard sensors, the Copernicus Sentinels monitor ecosystems to help us develop global data maps that help detect, forecast, and combat climate change. They keep a watchful eye on everything, from the atmosphere, seas, oceans and glaciers to landmasses, soil erosion, and volcanos.

A Better Understanding of Our Planet

Monitoring the impacts of climate change on the planet’s ecosystems is fundamental to maintaining and improving quality of life for us here on Earth. The vast amount of data the Copernicus Sentinels provide is central to this mission.

They help detect water quality and land pollution and monitor natural disasters to help us understand our planet and the impact we have on it. Thanks to multi-temporal NDVI composites, scientists can also compare images to monitor how vegetation develops and grows.

The EU and Canada are great supporters of data sharing and open science in the quest to understand climate change, particularly as Canada’s Arctic is one of the places most impacted by climate change.


Share and explore more about the Copernicus exhibition:
#Copernicus #EarthArt #EUCanada45


Marking the 45th anniversary of the European Union Delegation to Canada, this special exhibition is presented thanks to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.

“We are thrilled to be part of the highly-anticipated re-opening of the Montréal Science Centre and present this unique collection of 24 satellite images showcasing the majestic beauty of our Planet Earth from space. These images were captured by Copernicus Sentinels, a set of dedicated satellites orbiting the Earth since 2014,” said Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada."

“We would like to thank our friends at the Montréal Science Centre for hosting this exhibit marking the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. Canada and the European Union are strong believers in data sharing and open science. We have certainly gained new understanding of the importance of science, research and innovation in the wake of the pandemic.”

“The Montréal Science Centre is very pleased to host the Copernicus exhibit: Where Art Meets Science. Satellite images show striking landscapes of Earth, our spaceship. Both Canada and Europe reveal their colours, their riches and their fragilities. We are proud to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.” Cybèle Robichaud, Director – Programming Montréal Science Centre.

Access to the Copernicus Exhibition is included with your ticket for Montréal Science Centre’s exhibitions.

Thank you to our Montréal exhibit host:

Copernicus satellite photo exhibit opens in Vancouver
Explore Canada and Europe from space

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada and Science World in Vancouver are inviting you to discover Canada and Europe’s spectacular panoramas through a collection of 24 satellite images captured by Copernicus Sentinels.

This pan-Canadian photo exhibit is dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada this year.

“The exhibit offers a wonderful occasion to admire the beauty of our Planet Earth and the variety of its landscapes from space, while highlighting he importance of science, research and innovation to our collective well-being,” said Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada. “We would like to thank Science World for hosting this exclusive exhibit.”

Named after the illustrious Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to exhibit these unique images that help us deepen our understanding of this incredible planet, and expand our definitions of what 'our own backyard' means,” said Jennifer Cook, Creative Director, Science World.

As strategic partners, Canada and the EU acknowledge the socioeconomic benefits of space and the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, with particular consideration to the impacts on the Arctic. We share a commitment to ensuring that space remains free of conflict so that all humanity can benefit from the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

This special photo exhibition is possible thanks to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. The exhibit is presented both as a virtual and in-situ experience in Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Copernicus: Where art meets science will be on show at Science World in Vancouver until 9 January 2022.

Thank you to our Vancouver exhibit host:

Science, Research and Innovation holds the key to our future and collective well-being post-pandemic and beyond.

Ensuring a sustainable use of natural resources, protecting the environment, providing safety, security and a high quality of life, responding to disasters and crises, understanding and combating climate change are among the defining issues of our time.

Named after the illustrious Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, Copernicus is the European Union’s signature Earth Observation Programme. Also known as Europe’s eyes on Earth, Copernicus offers vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems, with the goal to improve quality of life worldwide.

The European Union and Canada are strong believers in the importance of data sharing and open science. Canada is one of the EU’s most valued partners on Earth and in space. The space collaboration between the European Space Agency, our key Copernicus partner, and the Canadian Space Agency goes back to the early 1970s when the Canada-European Space Agency Cooperation Agreement was first signed, and has expanded since to focus on innovation and competitiveness, creating jobs, developing new knowledge and skills across space sectors.

This special exhibition is possible thanks to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.