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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 October
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will continue its 2021 public nights and speaker series on Saturday, November 20, 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 -- A talk about astrophotography, and how to digitally process images of the night sky, with ORAS member Gary Salisbury.
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 -- A talk about astrophotography, and how to digitally process images of the night sky, with ORAS member Gary Salisbury.
Astrophotography image selection (Credit: Gary Salisbury)
Astrophotography Image Processing: On Saturday, November 20, starting at 7:00 PM, amateur astro-imager Gary Salisbury will be giving a presentation on processing astrophotography images. He will touch on imaging equipment and discuss techniques to process images. It is intended for those who are already imaging, those who want to improve their processing techniques, and those who are interested in learning something about this aspect of astronomy.
About our presenter: Gary Salisbury is a native of Butler, PA. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received a BS in Electrical Engineering. He went on to get his PhD in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University in Washington DC. He retired from the Air Force after 31 years in the field of Information Technology and Cyber. He completed a second career with a large Federal Defense Contractor and started two small consulting businesses. He currently mentors small business entrepreneurs in the Maryland, Virginia and Wash DC area. He began his astrophotography journey in 2015 with the acquisition of a friend’s 10” Meade telescope and a borrowed Nikon camera. He continues to learn and improve his imaging and processing techniques.
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
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.