The Mapuche are the largest Indigenous group in South America. For centuries they have placed great importance on observing the universe around them, including the sky. These observations informed their calendar, and the ceremonies they performed at the time of a solar eclipse. The presentation … READ MORE
Virtual Public Night presentation by Gary Purinton: “The 2024 Eclipse Megamovie: Capturing Totality” The presentation will include an explanation of eclipses in general, the April 8th total solar eclipse, and the challenges of photographing a solar eclipse. Mr. Purinton will also describe a nationwide effort … READ MORE
On Saturday, January 24, at 6:50 p.m., ORAS will host a virtual presentation entitled “Black Holes from Birth to Death.” The presenter will be Dr. Richard Lloyd, of PennWest University’s Edinboro campus. Dr. Lloyd will discuss how black holes form, and present sone hypothetical ways … READ MORE
The Oil Region Astronomical Society will host a public night at the learning center from 6:30-11pm this Saturday 11/25. Anyone interested in learning more about ORAS and astronomy-related topics may attend. The society is located at 4249 Camp Coffman Road in Cranberry Township. Weather permitting, … READ MORE
ORAS’ next public night will be an in-person presentation by Dr. Susan Prezzano. The topic is Ancient Astronomy in Europe and West Asia. Some of the earliest evidence of human knowledge of the heavens derives from rock art and objects created by foragers living in … READ MORE
The Oil Region Astronomical Society invites you to get together with other astronomy enthusiasts at AstroBlast, our six-day star party. It will take place at the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center, near Camp Coffman. The event will feature dark sky observing from our 12-acre field, … READ MORE
Virtual Public Night – “Planetary Nebulae: From Messier to Abell—What Are They and How to Observe Them” ORAS member Larry McHenry will explain what planetary nebulae are and why they are called that. He will review some of the people associated with these objects, both … READ MORE
The beginners’ 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 … READ MORE
Weather permitting, the Oil Region Astronomical Society will be hosting a public night this Saturday. Come take a peek through some of our many telescopes; including our 30-inch dobsonian! (Pictured in this event posting.) Ask our amateur astronomy team any questions about the universe that … READ MORE
Dr. Tim Spuck will make a presentation entitied “Big Astronomy.” Big Astronomy is a $2.2M multi-faceted research and education outreach project that includes the three-time award-winning planetarium show “Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries.” This highlights the diverse careers and the people who enable discoveries at … READ MORE