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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.
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.
Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.: ORAS board meeting (virtual, via Zoom)
Saturday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.: ORAS public meeting (virtual due to COVID). "Art and the Cosmos," presented by Mr. Jim O'Leary.
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will continue its 2021 public nights and speaker series on Saturday, March 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 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
Art and the Cosmos – a look at how astronomy has inspired art over the centuries, from drawings in ancient caves to historic interpretations of comets, eclipses, the Sun, the Moon and eclipses, and the art of Leonardo, Galileo, Van Gogh and others.
Presenter: Mr. Jim O’Leary - Jim O’Leary served as chief astronomy specialist for the Maryland Science Center, producing programs for the Davis Planetarium and films for the IMAX 3D Theater, many of which played in theaters worldwide. He also oversaw renovation of the Science Center’s rooftop Observatory and its 1927-era telescope. Jim has received education grants from NASA, NSF, NOAA and Johns Hopkins University. As part of an NSF-funded program, he traveled to Chile to visit astronomical observatories and meet with astronomers and educators. He hosted the radio program Skywatch on Baltimore’s NPR station for 12 years. Jim also received the Excellence in Outreach Award from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Saturday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.: ORAS public meeting (virtual). "Looking up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes Using your Digital Camera," presented by Mr. Dean Salisbury.
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.
Saturday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.: ORAS public meeting (virtual due to COVID). "Art and the Cosmos," presented by Mr. Jim O'Leary.
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will continue its 2021 public nights and speaker series on Saturday, March 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 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
Art and the Cosmos – a look at how astronomy has inspired art over the centuries, from drawings in ancient caves to historic interpretations of comets, eclipses, the Sun, the Moon and eclipses, and the art of Leonardo, Galileo, Van Gogh and others.
Presenter: Mr. Jim O’Leary - Jim O’Leary served as chief astronomy specialist for the Maryland Science Center, producing programs for the Davis Planetarium and films for the IMAX 3D Theater, many of which played in theaters worldwide. He also oversaw renovation of the Science Center’s rooftop Observatory and its 1927-era telescope. Jim has received education grants from NASA, NSF, NOAA and Johns Hopkins University. As part of an NSF-funded program, he traveled to Chile to visit astronomical observatories and meet with astronomers and educators. He hosted the radio program Skywatch on Baltimore’s NPR station for 12 years. Jim also received the Excellence in Outreach Award from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Saturday, April 17, 7:00 p.m.: ORAS public meeting (virtual). "Looking up: Astrophotography and Nightscapes Using your Digital Camera," presented by Mr. Dean Salisbury.
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.