Astroblast 2022 Schedule (Subject to revision as necessary)
Attention ORAS members - AstroBlast 2022 has been scheduled for August 23-28. Here is a partial list of the speakers and their topics. A full schedule can be found on the AstroBlast 2022 Schedule page. For a list of our door prizes, visit the AstroBlast Door Prizes page. Pre-registration at the discounted price has ended; however, you can register on line at the regular price.
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O – Indicates event will be held at the Bedow Memorial Observatory
A – Indicates activity will be held at the Jones Activity Building
T – Indicates activity will be held in the tents near the Jones Activity Building
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Thursday, August 25, 2022
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Astroblast Registration/check-in Open - T
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Friday, August 26, 2022
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Astroblast Registration/Check-in Open - T
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM Astroblast Welcome – A
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM Eclipse Ambassadors off the Paths (Vivian White, Astronomical Society of the Pacific) - A
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera (Mr. Dean Salisbury, ORAS) – A
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Star Hopping and Deep Sky Sketching (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski) - A
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Astronomy Trivia Night (Facilitated by Miranda Heller, ORAS) - A
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Saturday, August 27, 2022
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Astroblast Registration/Check-in Open – T
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Astronomy Yard Sale/Swap Meet – T
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Telescopes in the Land Down Under and the AgA Software (Tim Spuck, ORAS and AUI) - A
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Sunspots, Solar Features and the Northern Lights (Gary Purinton, ORAS) – A
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Galileo - The First Optical Astronomer (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski) - A
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM The Sky's the Limit: What Can I Observe from a Less Than Ideal Location? (Susan Prezzano, ORAS) – A
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Build Your Own Telescope (Miranda Heller, ORAS) - O. Pre-registration is required, and there's a $30 fee.
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Planets Here, There, Everywhere! (Derek Wallentinsen) - A
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM Unusual Optical Systems - Telescopes that make you go "HUH?" (Dean Miskovich (ORAS) - A
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Pizza Party - A
6:45 PM – 7:15 PM Door Prize Drawing - A
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Sunday, August 28, 2022
12 PM Astroblast 2022 Ends
Presentation Details
Eclipse Ambassadors off the Paths (Ms. Vivian White, Astronomical Society of the Pacific)
Description: Partner with local undergraduate students and train together to share the awe of the upcoming 2023 and 2024 eclipses with your community. Partnerships in 500 communities across the US will prepare local audiences in advance of the upcoming eclipses for a fantastic experience of a partial eclipse. Partner with libraries and other organizations to reach out to underserved audiences near you!
Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera (Mr. Dean Salisbury, ORAS)
Description: Come learn how to use your digital camera to collect light in the dark, and photograph the night sky.
Star Hopping and Deep Sky Sketching (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski)
Description: A 'how to' that focuses on how to star hop and how to do deep-sky sketching, both include audience participation demo.
Telescopes in the Land Down Under and the AgA Software (Tim Spuck, ORAS and AUI)
Description: Thanks to an agreement between ORAS and the Skynet Robotic Network of Telescopes, and Perth Observatory in Australia, ORAS members have access to a robotic telescope half-way around the world. This workshop will focus on how you can access the telescope, make/retrieve image requests, and use the Afterglow Access analysis software tool. Attendees are welcome to bring their own computer and give it a try.
Sunspots, Solar Features and the Northern Lights (Gary Purinton, ORAS)
Description: As the sunspot cycle approaches a maximum over the next few years, opportunities to observe sunspots, solar flares and aurora will be increasing. Learn what causes them, what to look for, and ways to track viewing opportunities.
The Sky's the Limit: What Can I Observe from a Less Than Ideal Location? (Susan Prezzano, ORAS)
Description: Beginner amateur astronomers may not have access to great observation sites. Drawing on personal experience the presenter gives recommendations for observing in light polluted skies with limited views.
Galileo - The First Optical Astronomer (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski)
Description: Today we are going to look back at the life of Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, the first astronomer to observe the heavens using a telescope of his own creation and publish what he had seen. A late date 'Renaissance Man' who helped propel the science of astronomy into the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. We’ll also cover his greatest contribution – his observation of the "Galilean" objects that amateurs can observe today.
Build Your Own Telescope (Miranda Heller, ORAS)
Description: Build and take home your very own Galileo telescope. Learn about lenses and light… stick around to look through it at night! You must register in advance. There is a $30 fee for the Galileoscope kit, which can be paid when you register.
Planets Here, There, Everywhere! (Derek Wallentinsen)
Description: Learn about how exoplanets and exoearths are discovered. Where are the exoplanets? Build a physical model demonstrating principles of a solar system.
Unusual Optical Systems - Telescopes that make you go "HUH?" (Dean Miskovich (ORAS)
Description: A short survey of some unusual and downright weird telescopes that have been made through the years.
.
O – Indicates event will be held at the Bedow Memorial Observatory
A – Indicates activity will be held at the Jones Activity Building
T – Indicates activity will be held in the tents near the Jones Activity Building
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Thursday, August 25, 2022
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Astroblast Registration/check-in Open - T
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Friday, August 26, 2022
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Astroblast Registration/Check-in Open - T
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Equipment Set-up and Social Time
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM Astroblast Welcome – A
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM Eclipse Ambassadors off the Paths (Vivian White, Astronomical Society of the Pacific) - A
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera (Mr. Dean Salisbury, ORAS) – A
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Star Hopping and Deep Sky Sketching (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski) - A
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Astronomy Trivia Night (Facilitated by Miranda Heller, ORAS) - A
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Saturday, August 27, 2022
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Astroblast Registration/Check-in Open – T
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Astronomy Yard Sale/Swap Meet – T
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Telescopes in the Land Down Under and the AgA Software (Tim Spuck, ORAS and AUI) - A
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Sunspots, Solar Features and the Northern Lights (Gary Purinton, ORAS) – A
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Galileo - The First Optical Astronomer (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski) - A
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM The Sky's the Limit: What Can I Observe from a Less Than Ideal Location? (Susan Prezzano, ORAS) – A
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Build Your Own Telescope (Miranda Heller, ORAS) - O. Pre-registration is required, and there's a $30 fee.
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM Planets Here, There, Everywhere! (Derek Wallentinsen) - A
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM Unusual Optical Systems - Telescopes that make you go "HUH?" (Dean Miskovich (ORAS) - A
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Pizza Party - A
6:45 PM – 7:15 PM Door Prize Drawing - A
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telescope/Observatory Training (ORAS Members Only) - O
9:00 PM - ?? Observing (No white lights on the observing field. NOTE: Those who are not staying overnight must move their vehicles to the lower parking area.)
Sunday, August 28, 2022
12 PM Astroblast 2022 Ends
Presentation Details
Eclipse Ambassadors off the Paths (Ms. Vivian White, Astronomical Society of the Pacific)
Description: Partner with local undergraduate students and train together to share the awe of the upcoming 2023 and 2024 eclipses with your community. Partnerships in 500 communities across the US will prepare local audiences in advance of the upcoming eclipses for a fantastic experience of a partial eclipse. Partner with libraries and other organizations to reach out to underserved audiences near you!
Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera (Mr. Dean Salisbury, ORAS)
Description: Come learn how to use your digital camera to collect light in the dark, and photograph the night sky.
Star Hopping and Deep Sky Sketching (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski)
Description: A 'how to' that focuses on how to star hop and how to do deep-sky sketching, both include audience participation demo.
Telescopes in the Land Down Under and the AgA Software (Tim Spuck, ORAS and AUI)
Description: Thanks to an agreement between ORAS and the Skynet Robotic Network of Telescopes, and Perth Observatory in Australia, ORAS members have access to a robotic telescope half-way around the world. This workshop will focus on how you can access the telescope, make/retrieve image requests, and use the Afterglow Access analysis software tool. Attendees are welcome to bring their own computer and give it a try.
Sunspots, Solar Features and the Northern Lights (Gary Purinton, ORAS)
Description: As the sunspot cycle approaches a maximum over the next few years, opportunities to observe sunspots, solar flares and aurora will be increasing. Learn what causes them, what to look for, and ways to track viewing opportunities.
The Sky's the Limit: What Can I Observe from a Less Than Ideal Location? (Susan Prezzano, ORAS)
Description: Beginner amateur astronomers may not have access to great observation sites. Drawing on personal experience the presenter gives recommendations for observing in light polluted skies with limited views.
Galileo - The First Optical Astronomer (Larry McHenry, ORAS & Kiski)
Description: Today we are going to look back at the life of Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, the first astronomer to observe the heavens using a telescope of his own creation and publish what he had seen. A late date 'Renaissance Man' who helped propel the science of astronomy into the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. We’ll also cover his greatest contribution – his observation of the "Galilean" objects that amateurs can observe today.
Build Your Own Telescope (Miranda Heller, ORAS)
Description: Build and take home your very own Galileo telescope. Learn about lenses and light… stick around to look through it at night! You must register in advance. There is a $30 fee for the Galileoscope kit, which can be paid when you register.
Planets Here, There, Everywhere! (Derek Wallentinsen)
Description: Learn about how exoplanets and exoearths are discovered. Where are the exoplanets? Build a physical model demonstrating principles of a solar system.
Unusual Optical Systems - Telescopes that make you go "HUH?" (Dean Miskovich (ORAS)
Description: A short survey of some unusual and downright weird telescopes that have been made through the years.