The Oil Region Astronomical Society (ORAS) will host ASTROBLAST 2024 on October 1 – 6 at the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center located at 4249 Camp Coffman Road.

This year will mark the 30th Anniversary of the event, and ORAS is pulling out all the stops. They will bring in a variety speakers, and will include astrophotography workshops, an astronomy flea market, kids camp, share-a-thons, special opportunities for regional educators, access to the ORAS 30-inch telescope, dark sky observing and much more!

Dr. Tim Spuck, one of the event’s coordinators, said, “ASTROBLAST is a great event for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky in wonder. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you live in the world, we all share the same night sky, and it connects all life on this planet and beyond. ASTROBLAST ‘24 is built around this spirit of collaboration and bringing those who wonder about our universe together for interesting conversations and a variety of exciting activities. Don’t miss it!”

ASTROBLAST ‘24 includes nationally and internationally recognized speakers. Dr. Derrick Pitts will provide attendees with an update on the latest discoveries in astronomy and space science.

Matt Dieterich will share his vast expertise on astrophotography and how you, too, can take beautiful images at night.

Ed Ting will be sharing his recent experience at one of the oldest observatories known to man, Stonehenge.

Dr. Gretchen Stahlman from Florida State University will share her expertise on scientific approaches to understanding UAPs (previously called UFOs).

In addition to some great talks, ASTROBLAST ‘24 will feature workshops on tools and techniques for photographing the night sky, overnight dark sky observing with the 30-inch telescope, and an Astronomy Flea Market where individuals can sell their used astronomy equipment including telescopes, eyepieces, cameras, and other resources.

There is so much planned for the 30th annual event, all of which can be seen on the Oil Region Astronomical Society’s website at oras.org/about-Astroblast

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s September 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.