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Veil nebula. Photo courtesy of Gary Salisbury.
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Astronomy is most enjoyable when it is shared. We offer a number of options for you to visit with us and learn from us. The ORAS Events and Outreach program brings ORAS members and their knowledge of astronomy together with astronomy enthusiasts from the community.
ORAS July 9 Grand Opening
On Saturday, July 9, ORAS held the officlal Grand Opening of the new Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center. Many of our members, supporters, and other local dignitaries were in attendance. Dr. Tim Spuck, ORAS President, thanked all those who contributed toward the building and development of our new facility. Dr. Spuck said, "We are incredibly thankful to the many local businesses, funding agencies, and individuals who made it all possible.”
The event featured tours of the ORALC facilities, as well as a presentation by Dr. Arthur Kosowsky, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. The topic was "Searching for Planet Nine." The talk was followed by night sky observing through two of the ORAS telescopes.
The event featured tours of the ORALC facilities, as well as a presentation by Dr. Arthur Kosowsky, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. The topic was "Searching for Planet Nine." The talk was followed by night sky observing through two of the ORAS telescopes.
Dr. Tim Spuck cuts the ribbon on the David L. Jones Activity Center. From left to right are Marianne Hooker, Butch Kapp, Tim Spuck, Rod Bedow, and Barbara Rumore.
Guests enjoy the opening remarks.
Star Parties at ORALC
Enjoy an evening under the stars at one of our scheduled star parties at ORALC -- the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center. See our About Events page for information about our star parties. Our main event of the year is AstroBlast, which is scheduled for August 23-28, 2022. See our About AstroBlast page for details, including a schedule, a link for signing up on line, and a list of door prizes.
ORAS meetings
ORAS members meet throughout the year to enjoy presentations and discussions on astronomy. You are welcome to be our guest at these meetings. Our presenters cover a wide variety of topics that may include observing techniques, optical equipment, telescope making, astrotourism, and current events in astronomy. If you are just beginning your study of astronomy, these meetings are a great opportunity to learn from our members and presenters.
AstroBlast at ORALC |
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AstroBlast at ORALC is our premier annual event. It features dark-sky observing, technical presentations from amateur and professional astronomers, and family fun. See our About AstroBlast page for a description of the usual event.
Calendar of events
Starting with our public night on Saturday, May 7, ORAS will resume holding group events for the public at the observatory site.
ORAS Speaker Series for September
September 17, 2022: In-Person Public Night with the Oil Region Astronomical Society –
"Things You May Not Know About the Gas Giants"
Please join us on Saturday, September 17 from 7:30 to 11:00 PM, for Public Night at the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center and the Bedow Memorial Observatory. The observatory houses a 30-inch telescope, the largest available for public observing in Western Pennsylvania.
Weather permitting, there will be opportunities to observe planets, stars, and galaxies through the 30-inch telescope. In addition to night sky observing, there will be a presentation in the David L. Jones Activity Building by ORAS member Dean Miskovich entitled “Things You May Not Know About the Gas Giants.”
Public Night Schedule
7:00 PM -The site opens to visitors
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Education Program: “Things You May Not Know About the Gas Giants”
8:30-11:00: Public stargazing
Photo of Jupiter courtesy of NASA
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About the Presenter – Dean Miskovich has been active in amateur astronomy for over 50 years. He is a member of ORAS and has two grandchildren, one of whom is a budding astronomer. Dean got his start in astronomy with a 4-inch Newtonian telescope, gradually upgrading to his current 12-inch telescope. He is a retired airline pilot of 31 years’ service. Dean recalls that he loved flying over the midwest at night at 35000 ft., shutting off all lights but the instruments, leaning out over the glare shield and just looking up. In his words, “The sky is beautiful from up there, where there’s little light pollution.”
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Cancellation policy
ORAS reserves the right to cancel events and outreach programs due to inclement weather, due to health or safety issues, or due to other unforeseen circumstances. Please monitor our social media posts for cancellation notices.
Previous public night presentations
July 9, 2022: Dr. Arthur Kosowsky, "Searching for Planet Nine."
June 25, 2022: Mr. Larry McHenry, "Stargazing and Myths: An Introduction to the Constellations and Seasonal Night- Sky Mythology."
May 7, 2022: Mr. Gary Purinton, "Lunar and Solar Eclipses."
April 16, 2022: Dr. Kelly Lepo, "What to Expect from the James Webb Space Telescope's First Images."
March 19, 2022: Mr. Lou Coban, "High-altitude Ballooning for Solar Eclipses."
November 20, 2021: Mr. Gary Salisbury, "Astrophotography Image Processing."
October 16, 2021: Mr. Larry McHenry, “Comet Tales.”
September 18, 2021: Dr. Tim Spuck, “The Oil Region Astronomical Society: Building an Exciting Future for Generations to Come.”
August 21, 2021: Ms. Emily Lehnardt, “Astronomy for Kids under Age 12.”
July 17, 2021: Mr. Ed Ting, “Astrophotography: Taking the Next Step.”
June 19, 202: Mr. Ed Ting, “An Introduction to Astrophotography.”
May 15, 2021: Mr. Derek Demeter, “Solving the Mysteries of the Universe, One Puzzle Piece at a Time.”
April 17, 2021: Mr. Dean Salisbury, “Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera.”
March 20, 2021: Mr. Jim O’Leary, “Art and the Cosmos.”
February 20, 2021: Ms. Luci Finucan, “Green Bank Observatory Virtual Tour.”
September 26, 2020: Mr. Tom Field, “Astronomical Spectra.
June 25, 2022: Mr. Larry McHenry, "Stargazing and Myths: An Introduction to the Constellations and Seasonal Night- Sky Mythology."
May 7, 2022: Mr. Gary Purinton, "Lunar and Solar Eclipses."
April 16, 2022: Dr. Kelly Lepo, "What to Expect from the James Webb Space Telescope's First Images."
March 19, 2022: Mr. Lou Coban, "High-altitude Ballooning for Solar Eclipses."
November 20, 2021: Mr. Gary Salisbury, "Astrophotography Image Processing."
October 16, 2021: Mr. Larry McHenry, “Comet Tales.”
September 18, 2021: Dr. Tim Spuck, “The Oil Region Astronomical Society: Building an Exciting Future for Generations to Come.”
August 21, 2021: Ms. Emily Lehnardt, “Astronomy for Kids under Age 12.”
July 17, 2021: Mr. Ed Ting, “Astrophotography: Taking the Next Step.”
June 19, 202: Mr. Ed Ting, “An Introduction to Astrophotography.”
May 15, 2021: Mr. Derek Demeter, “Solving the Mysteries of the Universe, One Puzzle Piece at a Time.”
April 17, 2021: Mr. Dean Salisbury, “Looking Up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes using your Digital Camera.”
March 20, 2021: Mr. Jim O’Leary, “Art and the Cosmos.”
February 20, 2021: Ms. Luci Finucan, “Green Bank Observatory Virtual Tour.”
September 26, 2020: Mr. Tom Field, “Astronomical Spectra.