ORAS New Moon Spring Inaugural |
The next new moon is May 8th. For the last several seasons, May’s new moon week has become the traditional season opener for ORAS. Same this year.
Many members are planning to be on site during the week. Some will be camping. Some just for an evening to set up and enjoy their own telescopes. Some to simply put an eye to one of ours. In addition to the “big 3” in the observatory, there are two 10” Dobsonians (with various eyepieces) in the scope shed that are available to members (the lock code for the scope shed is the same as the gate). Pushing around a Dob on a clear spring evening can be very satisfying.
Many members are planning to be on site during the week. Some will be camping. Some just for an evening to set up and enjoy their own telescopes. Some to simply put an eye to one of ours. In addition to the “big 3” in the observatory, there are two 10” Dobsonians (with various eyepieces) in the scope shed that are available to members (the lock code for the scope shed is the same as the gate). Pushing around a Dob on a clear spring evening can be very satisfying.
:
Events for the General Public:
Anytime that the gate is open…
Please drive in, find a member and ask for a tour. We would enjoy the opportunity to satisfy your curiosity.
Public Night Saturday, May 11
An occasion to show off our stuff! Larry McHenry will be doing the presentation (“Charles Messier, the Ferret of Comets”) live on site. We will also be offering it virtually. Then up the hill to provide viewing opportunities.
To become an ORAS member, visit the “Join ORAS” page.
Events for ORAS Members:
Observatory Training
Training sessions on observatory roof operation (about 40 minutes) will be made available to members while on site during the week.
“Big 3” familiarization sessions will also be available. Plan on 2+ hours for these sessions dependent on which telescope that you want to learn to use.
Training will be hands-on and performance-oriented. When completed, you will have unlimited access to the observatory and your preferred telescope.
Projects
Our big Celestron needs a new camera. During the week, we will be pairing and testing various cameras (provided by members) with the Celestron to determine which might be the best fit. Please take part and offer your experiences, expectations and recommendations. A purchase proposal will be presented to the Board at the May 14th meeting.
Our new (to us) tractor may be on site during the week. Check out the patina and become familiar with its operation.
We will spend some time on general spring cleaning. Landscaping, tree trimming and general decluttering chores are on the list.
Social
Besides being fun, our involves conversations and activities that stimulate. We learn from each other, gain new perspectives, and acquire new skills. We share happy hours and sometimes dine together. It’s not unusual to catch the scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting around the viewing field. You might even get a 2:00 a.m. invitation to warm up with a Bailey’s spiked hot chocolate!
Feel free to text one of us with questions now or anytime during new moon week. All are welcome here!
Dean Miskovich - 724-421-6818
Dean Salisbury - 724-991-1189