The Orange County Astronomers (OCA) is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit, civilian-led
astronomy organization in
Orange County
Orange County most commonly refers to:
*Orange County, California, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Orange County may also refer to:
U.S. counties
*Orange County, Florida, containing Orlando
*Orange County, Indiana
*Orange County, New ...
, southern California.
It was formed in 1967 and currently operates with around 800 concurrent members; they offer beginner courses in astronomy, and have meetings on the second Friday of every month at
Chapman University
Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, California. It encompasses ten schools and colleges, including Fowler School of Engineering, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Fowler School of Law, and Schmid College of Scie ...
.
Currently, the OCA offers a
dark-sky site to viewers, which includes a 22-inch
Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and public-use
observation
Observation is the active acquisition of information from a primary source. In living beings, observation employs the senses. In science, observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of scientific instruments. The ...
areas.
In addition, the OCA has been registered as an affiliate of the
Astronomers Without Borders
Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) is a U.S.-based organization founded by Mike Simmons, dedicated to spreading astronomy throughout the world and connecting people through this universal interest. Projects include crowdfunding in developed countri ...
program since March of 2012.
OCA Observatory
In September of 1984, a 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope along with an observatory were opened in the namesake of William Kuhn. This telescope is operated at the OCA Observatory, located at a dark-sky site that is a two hour drive from Orange County.
Today there are several different areas on the site for observing pads, as well as several small
observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geophysical, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. His ...
sites for individual members.
The club holds a
star party there every month, during which a certified telescope operator guides the 22-inch Cassegrain telescope around the night sky. 'Star Members' are the only personnel who are allowed to operate the telescope, at the cost of $150 to become a certified member. The site includes a
mobile home
A mobile home (also known as a house trailer, park home, trailer, or trailer home) is a prefabricated structure, built in a factory on a permanently attached chassis before being transported to site (either by being towed or on a trailer). Us ...
outfitted with a kitchen and bathroom, and is used as a location to defrost in the winter, or cool off in the summer.
Activities
OCA has a myriad of activities for those interested in delving deeper into astronomy. In addition to beginner's classes, public outreaches and monthly general meetings, there are
special interest groups that meet on a regular basis, including AstroImagers and AstroPhysics.
Library
Members can check out a wealth of books and videos available at the club's library. The library is located at the Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University and is operational during the General Meetings.
Asteroid
Asteroid
6525 Ocastron, discovered by
Jack B. Child and
Greg Fisch in 1992, was named in recognition and appreciation of the Orange County Astronomers.
The official was published by the
Minor Planet Center
The Minor Planet Center (MPC) is the official body for observing and reporting on minor planets under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Founded in 1947, it operates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Function
...
on 1 June 1996 ().
See also
*
List of astronomical societies
References
{{Portal bar, California, Astronomy, Stars, Spaceflight, Outer space, Solar System, Education, Science
Astronomy societies
Amateur astronomy organizations