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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 AstroBlast event. Please save the dates of August 10-15, 2021. Because of the COVID pandemic, these dates are tentative at this point. We will be monitoring the health situation, and we'll make a decision by early June on whether or not to go forward with the event. If we do, registration will be opening in early June.
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.
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will continue its 2021 public nights and speaker series on Saturday, April 17 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 online at least 24 hours 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
"Looking up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes Using your Digital Camera," presented by Mr. Dean Salisbury. Your digital camera is not just for daytime photography. Pointing it up and making images after dark can thrill and inspire. Very few natural scenes evoke more awe than that of the night sky. In this presentation Dean will share how easy it is to get started.
The Milky Way from Cherry Springs State Park
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Venus and Jupiter conjunction from the Patuxent River
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Presenter: Mr. Dean Salisbury – Dean is a retired US Army (First Sergeant, E8), 1992, retired Sales Manager for a power sports equipment company, 2005, and retired outside sales consultant for a PVC fence, railing and decking fabricator, 2014: the third time was a charm. His interests include DSLR astrophotography, focusing on wide field, night landscape, and time lapse; bird and nature photography; Civil War history; fly fishing; motorcycle touring; traveling with his wife in their little camper; and his grandchildren. Dean has held his private pilot license since 1985. He is a current ORAS Board member, Chairperson for the Education and Public Outreach Committee, and an active member of the Observatory-Facilities Committee.
Saturday, May 15, 7:00 p.m., ORAS public meeting (virtual). "Solving the Mysteries of the Universe, One Puzzle Piece at a Time," presented by Mr. Derek Demeter.
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.