ORAS Binocular Observing Kit Library Loan Program
WARNING: DO NOT look at the sun through binoculars. This will permanently damage your eye.
While many people think you need a telescope to observe the night sky, binoculars are a great way to get started! This program is a collaboration between ORAS and local libraries to expand opportunities for residents to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. We thank the all the libraries who are participating, as well their patrons who are taking advantage of this opportunity. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to PNC Charitable Trusts for making this project possible through their support.
Over time, we will be expanding resources on this page to better support those who are borrowing the Binocular Observing Kits. If you find something that you feel would be useful to include on this page or in the kit, please send an email to ORAS Binocular Loan Program at [email protected].
Initially, ORAS is working with seven local libraries including the Clarion Free Library, Cochranton Area Public Library, Franklin Public Library, Knox Public Library, Meadville Public Library, Oil City Library, and the Benson Memorial Library (Titusville). The program will be expanded to other libraries in the future. In addition, ORAS is working with these libraries to provide training to the public on the use of binoculars for night sky observing. Training is made available to the public free of charge. Just show up and bring your family and friends! The current schedule is as follows:
Additional training will be scheduled in the future.
RESOURCES
Kit Evaluation - PLEASE don't forget, if you have taken the Kit out on loan, please CLICK HERE to complete this short evaluation.
How do I fit and focus my binoculars? Everyone’s vision is a bit different, so you will want to fit and focus your binoculars before taking them out observing. Mass Audubon provides easy instructions. CLICK HERE to learn how.
How do you read a star map? One of the first things you will need to do is to know where to look in the night sky. This can be a bit confusing because there are a lot of stars out there! Sky & Telescope has a great tutorial on how you use a star map. Please CLICK HERE to view the tutorial.
How do I know where to look for satellites in the night sky? CLICK HERE to check out Orbittrack.
While many people think you need a telescope to observe the night sky, binoculars are a great way to get started! This program is a collaboration between ORAS and local libraries to expand opportunities for residents to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. We thank the all the libraries who are participating, as well their patrons who are taking advantage of this opportunity. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to PNC Charitable Trusts for making this project possible through their support.
Over time, we will be expanding resources on this page to better support those who are borrowing the Binocular Observing Kits. If you find something that you feel would be useful to include on this page or in the kit, please send an email to ORAS Binocular Loan Program at [email protected].
Initially, ORAS is working with seven local libraries including the Clarion Free Library, Cochranton Area Public Library, Franklin Public Library, Knox Public Library, Meadville Public Library, Oil City Library, and the Benson Memorial Library (Titusville). The program will be expanded to other libraries in the future. In addition, ORAS is working with these libraries to provide training to the public on the use of binoculars for night sky observing. Training is made available to the public free of charge. Just show up and bring your family and friends! The current schedule is as follows:
- Franklin Public Library - May 7th at 5-6 PM
- Oil Region Astronomical Learning Center - May 17, 5-8 PM (Visit https://remakelearningdays.org/event/northwesternpa/binocular-astronomy/ for more information.
- Oil City Library - June 9th at 6:00 PM
- Meadville Public Library - June 25th at 6:00 PM
- Benson Memorial Library (Titusville) - June 30th at 6:00 PM
Additional training will be scheduled in the future.
RESOURCES
Kit Evaluation - PLEASE don't forget, if you have taken the Kit out on loan, please CLICK HERE to complete this short evaluation.
How do I fit and focus my binoculars? Everyone’s vision is a bit different, so you will want to fit and focus your binoculars before taking them out observing. Mass Audubon provides easy instructions. CLICK HERE to learn how.
How do you read a star map? One of the first things you will need to do is to know where to look in the night sky. This can be a bit confusing because there are a lot of stars out there! Sky & Telescope has a great tutorial on how you use a star map. Please CLICK HERE to view the tutorial.
How do I know where to look for satellites in the night sky? CLICK HERE to check out Orbittrack.