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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.
Star Parties at the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center
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.
ORAS Meetings
Be our guest for an ORAS meeting that features an informative presentation on astronomy. See our About Events page for information about our meetings.
AstroBlast at ORALC
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 (which will not be taking place this year).
Attention ORAS members - 2021 Members Only AstroBlast update:
After a lengthy discussion on the current status of the COVID pandemic and situations that might impact the well-being of our members, the ORAS Board has made the decision to cancel our Members Only AstroBlast event scheduled for August 10-15 2021. The ORAS Board appreciates the efforts put into the planning, and we look forward to resuming AstroBlast (and members only training events) next year.
Attention ORAS members - 2021 Members Only AstroBlast update:
After a lengthy discussion on the current status of the COVID pandemic and situations that might impact the well-being of our members, the ORAS Board has made the decision to cancel our Members Only AstroBlast event scheduled for August 10-15 2021. The ORAS Board appreciates the efforts put into the planning, and we look forward to resuming AstroBlast (and members only training events) next year.
Calendar of Events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ORAS is not holding in-person group events at this time. Our regular schedule of Events and Outreach programs, including AstroBlast, will resume once the ORAS Board determines that it is prudent and safe to hold in-person group events.
ORAS Speaker Series for September
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will continue its 2021 public nights and speaker series on Saturday, September 18, at 7:00 PM. Public nights will be scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month. However, due to COVID concerns, these events will take place virtually via Zoom Meeting until further notice.
REGISTER TO ATTEND: Due to spamming issues with ZoomMeeting, we are asking all attendees to register on line before the session. A secure link will then be emailed to you so that you can connect virtually. CLICK HERE to Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OrasPublic
Agenda
6:50 PM – 7:00 PM: Zoom Session Opens – Opportunity for Tech-Check to make sure your system is working.
7:00 PM – 7:10 PM: ORAS News and Updates
7:10 PM – 8:00 PM: Education Presentation
REGISTER TO ATTEND: Due to spamming issues with ZoomMeeting, we are asking all attendees to register on line before the session. A secure link will then be emailed to you so that you can connect virtually. CLICK HERE to Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OrasPublic
Agenda
6:50 PM – 7:00 PM: Zoom Session Opens – Opportunity for Tech-Check to make sure your system is working.
7:00 PM – 7:10 PM: ORAS News and Updates
7:10 PM – 8:00 PM: Education Presentation
The Oil Region Astronomical Society: Building an Exciting Future for Generations to Come --
The Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center is located just off Camp Coffman Road, near the border between Venango and Clarion Counties. It is the culminating result of 30 years of unwavering dedication and commitment by ORAS members and friends, and the surrounding communities. While Northwestern Pennsylvania may be challenged economically, its people, communities, and businesses have always been rich in spirit and willing to support a good cause. In reaching for the stars together, we have made the impossible possible. Come hear the story of how a dream for a better future for all resulted in this unique astronomy facility, housing one of the largest telescopes in Pennsylvania that's available for public observing; and it’s right here in your back yard!
About our presenter: Dr. Tim Spuck is a founding member and current President of the Oil Region Astronomical Society. In his day job, he serves as the Director of Education & Public Engagement for Associated Universities Inc. (AUI), best known for management of the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. At AUI, Tim leads a variety of national and international initiatives including Innovators Developing Accessible Tools for Astronomy (IDATA), the Network for Earth-space Research Education and Innovation with Data (NEREID), the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP), and Big Astronomy in Chile through Dome+. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for Astronomers Without Borders, and leads ongoing collaborations with the National Society of Black Physicists, International Astronomical Union, and numerous others. Prior to his role with AUI, he taught astronomy and earth sciences at Oil City High School, where his students received national and international recognition for their work in astronomy research. Tim himself was awarded the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics Educator Achievement Award, Tandy Technology Scholars Award, and the Pennsylvania Christa McAuliffe Fellowship. He holds a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from West Virginia University, and a master’s degree in Science Education from Clarion University of PA.
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.