Astroblast Information

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

We are trying something new this year. Many of our guests bring family members, or they themselves have an interest in the wondrous outdoors. So, this year we have added a few morning presentations on the local ecology including bird watching, Pennsylvania trees, and local water and forest ecology. We hope this will help Astroblast participants better enjoy their experience here at the Observatory.

NEW THIS YEAR FOR PEOPLE CAMPING - $3.50 per person per night must be paid to Two Mile Run County Park. This fee will be collected at the Observatory upon arrival, and will give you access to the showers at the main campgrounds. Limited electricity, water, drinks and snacks will be available throughout the night.

Thursday, September 21

3:00 PM Registration Opens

9:00 PM - ??? Dark Sky Observing

Friday, September 22

3:00 PM Registration Opens

5:30 - 8:00 PM Food tent open

5:30 PM Welcome to Astroblast and Event Logistics

6:00 PM “Overlooked Objects You’ve Heard About But Never Bothered to Track Down” - John O’Hara, ORAS

7:00 PM “Amateur Astronomy 1950-1965” - Ron Ravneberg, Columbus Astronomical Society

8:30 PM Messier Marathon (Pick up form at Registration Booth, and turn return in morning.)

9:00 PM - ??? Dark Sky Observing

9:00 PM CCD Imaging Techniques - Mr. Dan Holler and Mr. Larry Stack, ORAS

11:00 PM Gate closes (All non-overnighters must leave or move vehicles outside gate.)

Saturday, September 23

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM “Bird Walk in the Park” - Kevin Porter, Naturalist

10 - 11 AM Pancake Breakfast ($5 per adult or $3 child under 12)

11:00 AM “Pennsylvania Trees and Why Should I Care” - Dr. Bruce Smith, Clarion University of PA

11 AM - 1 PM Swap Meet

12:00 PM “The Ecology of NW Pennsylvania” - Dr. Chuck Williams, Clarion University of PA

12 - 8 PM Food Tent Open

1:00 PM “The Pluto Dilemma” - Dr. Dan Malerbo, Carnegie Science Center

2:00 PM “Music of the Night—Getting Back to our Roots” - Mr. Ron Ravneberg, Columbus Astronomical Society

3:00 PM “Investigating Dragon's Breath: Black Holes and Jets in Blazars” - Dr. David Barnaby, Western Kentucky University

4:00 PM “Monitoring NEW T-Tauri Candidates - A Research Opportunity for Students and Amateurs” - Mr. Tim Spuck, ORAS

5:00 PM - “Astronomy Words” - Mr. Eric Fischer, Amateur Astronomy Association of Pittsburgh

6:00 PM Pizza Party / Door Prize Drawing ($5/adult $3/under 12)

7:00 PM - “Double Star Observing Refresher Course” - Mr. Phil Tramdack, ORAS

8:30 PM Messier Marathon (Pick up form at Registration Booth, and turn return in morning.)

9:00 PM - ??? Dark Sky Observing

9:00 PM CCD Imaging Techniques - Mr. Dan Holler and Mr. Larry Stack, ORAS

11:00 PM Gate closes (All non-overnighters must leave or move vehicles outside gate.)

Sunday, September 24

10 - 11 AM Pancake Breakfast ($5/adult - $3/under 12)

10:00 AM Messier Marathon Winner Announced

The Oil Region Astronomical Observatory is located in Venango County’s picturesque Two Mile Run County Park. The observatory is located in the Lockwood area of the park and is only a short drive from Oil City, Franklin or Titusville in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Oil Country.

From Franklin: Take PA Route 417 north approximately 3 miles to the Y - intersection with Cherrytree Road. Veer right onto Cherrytree Road and drive approximately 3.5 miles. Lockwood and the observatory entrance are on your right.

From Oil City: Take PA Route 428 North 5.6 miles to Cherrytree Road. Take a left onto Cherrytree and proceed west through the park. The entrance to Lockwood and observatory will be on your left, approximately two miles past the park office.