The Oil Region Astronomy Learning Center’s new outdoor classroom is nearly finished just in time for ASTROBLAST 2025, the Oil Region Astronomical Society’s annual star party running through Sunday. Funded by a grant from the McElhattan Foundation in Pittsburgh, the facility includes accessible restrooms and an outdoor presentation space beside the Bruce M. Bedow Memorial Observatory. ORAS Vice President Tim Spuck said the addition will enhance hands-on astronomy experiences by connecting indoor and outdoor learning. Now in its 31st year, ASTROBLAST features expert speakers, workshops, kids activities, a flea market, and dark-sky viewing through ORAS’s 30-inch telescope — the largest in western Pennsylvania open to the public. A special session for beginners and new telescope owners will be held Friday at 5 p.m.
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