ORAS Workshops
Deepen your understanding, learn new skills,
unlock your creativity, and exercise your imagination.
"We Educate and Inspire"
Offering astronomy-related workshops to our members and the general public is one way that
we at ORAS support our mission. Workshops introduce new ideas, inspiring participants to further explore
them on their own. Workshops are a great way to teach hands-on skills as they give learners an
opportunity to try out new methods in a safe environment. Workshops also provide an opportunity
to meet other people who share the same interests, and a chance to learn something new.
Specific workshop topics, goals, and agendas will appear on this page. You will be able to
choose a workshop and register here. Workshops range from those attractive to beginner
observers to those wanting to hone their skills in astrophotography. The ORAS Learning Center
will be the training location, either in the Jones building classroom or the Observatory. We are at
4249 Camp Coffman Road, Cranberry, PA 16319. Your GPS will get you here.
Your registration fee includes training aids, handouts, lunch, and an opportunity to unlock
something that might already be inside of you.
A scholarship for various sessions may be offered. Contact the workshop facilitator for availability.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Beginner’s Workshop -- The Basics
Are you interested in learning about the night sky? Because of its extensive dark skies and several great observatories, western Pennsylvania is an ideal location to become an amateur astronomer.
This workshop will introduce you to the basics of observing the sky. Topics covered will include visual observations without aids and the use of binoculars. Much of the workshop will focus on telescopes, including types of telescopes, additional equipment needs, and tips on buying and maintaining telescopes. The workshop will also cover printed and electronic resources, including great web and app resources. Visual presentations and hands-on instruction with telescopes will be provided. The Beginner’s Workshop will be facilitated by ORAS members Dean Miskovich, Tim Spuck, and Susan Prezzano. Obsessed with astronomy, these three have over 100 years of combined experience to share with you.
Schedule
The workshop will begin at 10:00 am and continue until 4:00 pm, and will take place in the ORAS Learning Center. Lunch will be provided. You do not need to bring anything to the workshop except your curiosity BUT, if you have a telescope and want to learn more about it, bring it along! The workshop is limited to 15 participants. A second day will be scheduled if there is an interest.
The Morning Session:
What Objects Do You Want to View and What Can You Actually See?
Characteristics of Light
Naked Eye Viewing
Binoculars
The Main Types of Telescopes for Beginners
Parts of a Telescope and Optics
Tour of the Observatory and ORAS Facility
Lunch
The Afternoon Session:
Hands-on Exercises with Telescopes
Eyepieces
Important Additional Equipment
Sources of Information
Recommendations on Where to Buy Equipment and Which Type to Buy
Maintenance of Telescopes and Equipment
Storage And Portability
Contact the following ORAS members with any questions:
miskovich@zoominternet.net
timspuck@gmail.com
miratulum@gmail.com
This workshop will introduce you to the basics of observing the sky. Topics covered will include visual observations without aids and the use of binoculars. Much of the workshop will focus on telescopes, including types of telescopes, additional equipment needs, and tips on buying and maintaining telescopes. The workshop will also cover printed and electronic resources, including great web and app resources. Visual presentations and hands-on instruction with telescopes will be provided. The Beginner’s Workshop will be facilitated by ORAS members Dean Miskovich, Tim Spuck, and Susan Prezzano. Obsessed with astronomy, these three have over 100 years of combined experience to share with you.
Schedule
The workshop will begin at 10:00 am and continue until 4:00 pm, and will take place in the ORAS Learning Center. Lunch will be provided. You do not need to bring anything to the workshop except your curiosity BUT, if you have a telescope and want to learn more about it, bring it along! The workshop is limited to 15 participants. A second day will be scheduled if there is an interest.
The Morning Session:
What Objects Do You Want to View and What Can You Actually See?
Characteristics of Light
Naked Eye Viewing
Binoculars
The Main Types of Telescopes for Beginners
Parts of a Telescope and Optics
Tour of the Observatory and ORAS Facility
Lunch
The Afternoon Session:
Hands-on Exercises with Telescopes
Eyepieces
Important Additional Equipment
Sources of Information
Recommendations on Where to Buy Equipment and Which Type to Buy
Maintenance of Telescopes and Equipment
Storage And Portability
Contact the following ORAS members with any questions:
miskovich@zoominternet.net
timspuck@gmail.com
miratulum@gmail.com
Saturday, July 22, 2023
ORAS Workshop -- Night Sky Photography
Nature photography can thrill and inspire, and few scenes evoke more awe than that of the night sky. This workshop will introduce techniques that you can use to create amazing photographs after the sun goes down. Your digital camera is not just for daytime photography.
This six-hour workshop will include audio-visual presentations and hands-on sessions working with your own digital camera. Dean Salisbury, a current member of the ORAS leadership team and longtime photography enthusiast, will facilitate. This workshop is limited to 12 stargazers.
Schedule
The workshop will begin at 10:00 am in the classroom of our Learning Center. Lunch will be provided.
The Morning Session:
Why We Love Looking at the Night Sky
Dark Skies and Light Pollution
Clear Skies and Weather
Dressing For Success
Night Vision
Gear and Accessories
Camera Settings
Hands-On With Your Digital Camera
Tour Of the Observatory and ORAS Facility
Lunch
The Afternoon Session:
Nature Photography, Birds, And Stars
Hands-On With Your Digital Camera
How To Interpret a Histogram and Make Great Images
Basic Image Processing in Photoshop
Barn Door Tracker
Photographing the Perseid Meteor Shower (Aug 12-13, 2023)
Bring your digital camera to the workshop. Most digital cameras will work as long as you can manually control the aperture (f stop), shutter speed, ISO, and focus. Bring your owner’s manual if it is accessible. Otherwise together we will figure out how to get your camera set up for night sky imaging.
Contact Dean Salisbury with any questions.
dean7awol@gmail.com