VENANGO CO., Pa. — On Saturday, September 18, the Oil Region Astronomical Society (ORAS) will host a virtual public night including a presentation on the past, present, and future of the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center by ORAS President and long-time local astronomy advocate, Dr. Tim Spuck.

(Pictured: Dr. Tim Spuck, President of the Oil Region Astronomical Society.)

Who can attend: Anyone who is interested in learning more about ORAS and astronomy-related topics. We strongly encourage members of the general public, and educators and students from surrounding schools to participate.

Public nights are FREE and open to all and will include a brief update about Learning Center activities followed by a presenter. If you have a computer, tablet, or smart phone and internet access you are ready to go!

In an effort to prevent spamming, those interested in participating must register in advance. A link to the virtual event will then be emailed to you separately.

How to register: It’s simple to register. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OrasPublic.

ORAS Public Night Agenda — Saturday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m.

6:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Zoom Session Opens – Opportunity for Tech-Check to make sure your system is working. (Link will be emailed to you after you register)

6:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Zoom Session Opens – Opportunity for Tech-Check to make sure your system is working. (Link will be emailed to you after you register)

7:00 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.: ORAS News and Updates

7:10 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Education Presentation

About the Presenter

Dr. Tim Spuck is a founding member and current President of the Oil Region Astronomical Society. In his day job, he serves as the Director of Education & Public Engagement for Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) best known for the management of the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. At AUI, Tim leads a variety of national and international initiatives including Innovators Developing Accessible Tools for Astronomy (IDATA), the Network for Earth-space Research Education and Innovation with Data (NEREID), the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP), and Big Astronomy in Chile through Dome+. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for Astronomers Without Borders and leads ongoing collaborations with the National Society of Black Physicists, the International Astronomical Union, and numerous others. Prior to his role with AUI, he taught astronomy and earth sciences at Oil City High School where his students received national and international recognition for their work in astronomy research. Tim himself was awarded the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics Educator Achievement Award, Tandy Technology Scholars Award, and the Pennsylvania Christa McAuliffe Fellowship. He holds a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from West Virginia University, and a master’s degree in Science Education from Clarion University of PA.

The Oil Region Astronomical Society

Building an Exciting Future for Generations to Come — The Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center is located just off Camp Coffman Road near the border between Venango and Clarion counties. It is the culminating result of 30 years of unwavering dedication and commitment by ORAS members and friends, and the surrounding communities. While Northwestern Pennsylvania may be challenged economically, its people, communities, and businesses have always been rich in spirt and willing to support a good cause. In reaching for the stars together, we have made the impossible possible. Come hear the story of how a dream for a better future for all resulted in this unique astronomy facility housing one of the largest telescopes in Pennsylvania available for public observing; and it’s right here in your backyard!

Once it is safe for larger groups to assemble, ORAS plans to begin in-person public nights at the Learning Center that will include observing through telescopes at the Bedow Memorial Observatory as well as the education program.

Please visit https://www.oras.org for more information.