Event

For more information, please visit https://oras.org/astroblast/ 

ASTROBLAST is a regional gathering of amateur astronomers and anyone interested in astronomy!  In June 1994, ASTROBLAST became an annual event hosted by ORAS.  It is held at the Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center.  The event features lectures, educational sessions, a door prize drawing, and dark sky observing.

Our 30″ f/3 Starstructure telescope will be available for viewing by AstroBlast participants.  Our site also offers great dark sky observing for those using their own equipment.  Participants are invited to bring their own telescopes or binoculars.

If you will be staying overnight, you should plan to bring a tent or a suitable vehicle with you.  We will have our traditional pizza party on Saturday evening.  Also, we will have a limited menu of food items for sale on Friday evening and Saturday from noon to 7.  If you prefer, you can bring and prepare your own food, or buy your meals at one of the nearby stores or restaurants.  You should also bring a personal supply of water, hiking equipment (optional), sunscreen, blankets or a sleeping bag, and a flashlight with a red filter.   And, of course, bring yourself and all of your friends who are interested in astronomy!   

Date: Tuesday, October 6 - Sunday, October 11, 2026

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

Information for Visitors

ASTROBLAST 2026 Ad.jpg 185 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.”