Oil Region Astronomical Society

IAU-ORAS 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop

Monday, October 5 - Thursday, October 8, 2026

Event

The IAU-ORAS 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop is a joint initiative between the International Astronomical Union’s Professional-Amateur Relations in Astronomy Working Group and the Oil Region Astronomical Society.

Astronomy/Planetary Science Researchers, Amateurs, Educators, and Students,

The International Astronomical Union’s Professional-Amateur Relations in Astronomy Working Group and the Oil Region Astronomical Society are pleased to announce registration is now open for the 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop: Building relationships and research collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers.

Throughout history, amateur astronomers have made significant discoveries and contributions to the field of professional astronomy. The Pro-Am Workshop will bring together and facilitate collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers. Working together, professionals and amateurs can advance scientific discovery as well as engage many from the public in modern astronomy research practices. This is a win-win for all. Professional astronomy increases its research capacity with additional peoplepower, and amateurs increase their knowledge and skill. In addition, amateurs who share these stories with the broader public build interest and strengthen support for future astronomy endeavors.

Who should attend? Professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, astronomy educators who currently or would like to engage themselves and/or their students in research, university or high school students themselves, astronomy equipment/software providers, and others who are interested in learning about or supporting pro-am collaboration in astronomy should attend. We anticipate a wide variety of topics being addressed at the 2026 International Pro-Am Workshop. Examples include, but are not limited to, collection and analysis of astronomical data (e.g. solar, lunar, planetary, stellar, galactic, extragalactic, etc.), use of data analysis tools/software, archival data research, instrument design/development, astrophotography and data visualization, citizen science, and other topics/projects of interest. 

Important Dates in 2026

  • March 25 – Registration Opens
  •  June 1 – Final day to submit abstracts and workshop requests for consideration by the Organizing Committee.
  • July 1 – Those who submit abstracts or workshop requests will be notified of status no later than July 1.
  • August 1 – Early Registration ends, and registration fees increase significantly.
  • August 15 – If your presentation abstract or workshop request is accepted, you MUST pay the registration fee by this date.
  • October 5 – Pro-Am Workshop begins (you may arrive on site the evening of October 4 if needed)
  • October 8 – All workshop participants must depart Camp Coffman by 12:00 PM
  •  October 6 – 11 – ASTROBLAST 2026 Star Party

At this time, please visit https://oras.org/iau-2026-pro-am-workshop/ for more information on registration and how to propose a presentation or workshop for inclusion in the program.

Date: Monday, October 5 - Thursday, October 8, 2026

Location: Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center
4249 Camp Coffman Road
Cranberry, PA 16319

Information for Visitors

Pro_Am Workshop Flyer3.pdf 393 KB

Location Details

Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center

The Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center is located at 4249 Camp Coffman Road Cranberry, Pennsylvania 16319.

Driving directions from the west:
Starting from the intersection with Route 257 near the Cranberry Mall, follow Route 322 for about 8.7 miles after you pass Route 257.  At the corner of Route 338, shortly after Hirsch’s Meats, turn left onto Camp Coffman Road.  At one point this road makes a sharp turn to the left.  About 3 miles from Route 322, the road appears to end in a T.  Turn right on the continuation of Camp Coffman Road, and follow it for about 1 more mile, passing the entrance to Camp Coffman on the right.  The entrance to the observatory site will be about .3 miles further, on the left.

From the east:
From the post office on Route 208 in Shippenville, follow Route 322 for 6.4 miles.  At the corner of Route 338, turn right onto Camp Coffman Road.  At one point this road makes a sharp turn to the left.  About 3 miles from Route 322, the road appears to end in a T.  Turn right on the continuation of Camp Coffman Road, and follow it for about 1 more mile passing the entrance to Camp Coffman on the right.  The entrance to the observatory site will be about .3 miles further, on the left.

From the southwest:
Take Exit 45 from Route 80 onto Route 478.  Turn left, go under Route 80, and then turn right onto Route 38 after about .2 miles.  Follow Route 38 for about 10 miles, until it intersects with Route 322.  Go right on Route 322 for 3.5 miles.  At the corner of Route 338, shortly after Hirsch’s Meats, turn left onto Camp Coffman Road.  At one point this road makes a sharp turn to the left.  About 3 miles from Route 322, the road appears to end in a T.  Turn right on the continuation of Camp Coffman Road, and follow it for about 1 more mile, passing the entrance to Camp Coffman on the right.  The entrance to the observatory site will be about .3 miles further, on the left.

From the southeast:
Take Exit 53 from Route 80.  Turn left onto State Route 3007, and go about .7 mile to Route 338.  Go right on Route 338, continuing straight through the town of Knox.  Route 338 will end at Route 322, about 8.3 miles from Route 80.  Keep going straight at this intersection.  The road will now be called Camp Coffman Road.  At one point it makes a sharp turn to the left.  About 3 miles after Route 322, the road appears to end in a T.  Turn right on the continuation of Camp Coffman Road, and follow it for about 1 more mile, passing the entrance to Camp Coffman on the right.  The entrance to the observatory site will be about .3 miles further, on the left.

From the north:
There are no large or well-marked roads leading directly to the site from the north.  If coming from Oil City, take Route 257 south until you reach Route 322, and then follow the directions above for “From the west.”  If coming from Fryburg, take Route 208 south to Shippenville, and then follow the directions above for “From the east.”

4249 Camp Coffman Road
Cranberry, PA 16319
(click to get directions)
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