OCA Astrophysics SIG Meeting
2024-09-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Orange Coast College, Building 40, Astronomy House, Merrimac Way, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
The monthly meeting of the Astrophysics Special Interest Group is at 7:00 PM every third Friday of the month at Orange Coast College, Building 40, Astronomy House. Please contact the ASIG chair for details at mark@ocastronomers.org .
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Online Beginner's Class
2024-10-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Online
This is a free and open to the public online event, to attend please register with zoom by clicking here at or after 7:10pm.
The 2nd session of the Beginners Astronomy Class covers the different types of equipment used to observe the night sky, including telescopes, mounts, eyepieces, filters, and advantages and disadvantages of different options.
This session is a must if thinking about buying a telescope.
For details, please visit here and download the sample information PDF package.
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General Meeting – October 2024
2024-10-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University, 336 N Center St, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
This is a free and open to the public hybrid event, held both inperson and online.
Due to the newly effective insurance requirements, we regret that we can not allow people under 18 on the Chapman Campus, they are welcome to attend online.
Join Zoom

This meeting’s speaker will present inperson from the Chapman University’s campus.

Direct Multipixel Imaging and

Spectroscopy of Exoplanets

with a Mission to the Focal Region of

the Solar Gravitational Lens

Nature has presented us with a very powerful “instrument” that we are yet to explore and put to use. This instrument is the Solar Gravitational Lens (SGL), which results from the ability of the gravitational field of the Sun to focus light from faint, distant targets. In the near future, a modest telescope with a coronagraph could operate in the focal region of the SGL and, using enormous amplification of the Lens, it could yield multipixel images of exoplanets. A meter-class telescope operating at the focal region of the SGL could yield ~(450×450)-pixel images of an “Earth 2.0” at distances up to 100 light years with spatial resolution high enough to see its surface features and to determine and study the signs of habitability. We discuss the imaging properties of the SGL and introduce a mission concept to the SGL focal region that could provide us with direct, high-resolution images and spectroscopy of a potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanet. We address aspects of mission design and spacecraft requirements, as well as capabilities needed to fly this mission in the next two decades. We rely on solar sailing propulsion which, when combined with rideshare to high Earth orbit and the use of smallsat architecture components, is the key technology that may allow us to reach high solar system transit velocities at a dramatic reduction in mission costs and lead time. With the currently available sail materials, components, and instruments we can fly practical missions with speeds of up to 7 AU/year – twice that of the current speed record holder – Voyager 1. With the sail materials that are being developed, smallsat velocities up to 20-25 AU/year will be reachable in 5-7 years. Benefiting from this progress, the “Sundiver” concept is new and exciting; it offers breakthrough capabilities for which the science community has been waiting for decades. We discuss the Sundiver sailcraft, enabling technology, instruments and unique science opportunities offered by small sailcraft placed on fast interplanetary trajectories – ultimately reaching the SGL’s focal region.
For background, please check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQFqDKRAROI and https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.14917

Slava G. Turyshev is an astrophysicist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology and a professor at the Physics and Astronomy Department of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Turyshev earned his M.S. in physics (with honors) and a PhD in quantum field theory from the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia in 1987 and 1990, correspondingly. In 2008, he earned the Doctor of Science degree (Habilitation) in astrophysics from the same university. His primary research areas include gravitational and fundamental physics in space, research in relativistic astrophysics, astronomy, and planetary science. He is an expert in high-precision spacecraft navigation, solar system dynamics, satellite and lunar laser ranging, astrometry, and related technology efforts. Dr. Turyshev served as the NASA Project Scientist on the CNES/ESA Microscope mission (2016-2020); JPL Project Scientist for the Advanced Lunar Laser Ranging Facility at the Table Mountain Observatory, CA (2015-ongoing); Principal Investigator on the investigation of the Pioneer Anomaly (2003-2012). Recently, he was the Principal Investigator on the 2020 NIAC Phase III effort on the mission concept studies to use the solar gravitation lens (SGL) for multipixel imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets (2017-2022). He has published over 220 papers, 2 books. Dr. Turyshev is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.
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Open Spiral Bar
2024-10-12 22:00 - 23:30, 2024-11-09 22:00 - 23:30, 2024-12-14 22:00 - 23:30, 2025-01-11 22:00 - 23:30 | Online
This is a free and open to the public online event.
Join Zoom

Come and socialize with your fellow astronomy enthusiasts face-to-face virtually!
Bring your latest astrophotography, mini-presentation, questions or none and your own refreshments.

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Private Outreach- Springbrook Elementary School, Irvine
2024-10-24 20:00 - 21:30 | Springbrook Elementary School, 2700 Seiler Drive, Naperville, IL, 60565, United States
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Online Beginner's Class
2024-11-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Online
This is a free and open to the public online event, to attend please register with zoom by clicking here at or after 7:10pm.
The 3rd session of the Beginners Astronomy Class covers different methods of finding objects in the night sky. Special topic is learning the constellations.
For details, please visit here and download the sample information PDF package.
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OCA Private Outreach: Stanley Elementary School
2024-11-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Stanley Elementary Schol, 12201 Elmwood St., Garden Grove, 92840, United States

General Meeting – November 2024
2024-11-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University, 336 N Center St, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
This is a free and open to the public hybrid event, held both inperson and online.
Due to the newly effective insurance requirements, we regret that we can not allow people under 18 on the Chapman Campus, they are welcome to attend online.
Join Zoom

This meeting’s speaker will present online from San Jose, CA.

From Vision to Reality:

The Journey of Kosovo’s First Observatory

In 2024, we successfully established the first observatory and science center in Kosovo, a landmark achievement in a country with a rich but turbulent history. This project was not just about building an astronomical facility; it symbolized triumph over obstacles that ranged from logistical challenges to securing international support. Through perseverance, partnerships with organizations like Celestron, and the belief in the transformative power of science, we brought the stars closer to the people of Kosovo. This talk will highlight our journey, the hurdles we overcame, and how this observatory is now inspiring future generations of scientists and stargazers alike.

Pranvera Hyseni is a graduate student from the Republic of Kosovo, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is the founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo (AOK), which is recognized as the largest astronomy outreach program in Eastern Europe. Additionally, she manages the Kosovo Chapter of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project.
Ms. Hyseni’s interest in astronomy began at an early age of three, during the late 1990s when Kosovo was affected by the Serbian conflict. She was raised in a family of eight on a remote farm, where economic conditions were challenging. Despite these circumstances, the farm’s location provided her with access to clear night skies, igniting her early passion for astronomy.
She single-handedly brought science to her community by establishing the non-profit organization “Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo” in 2015, which has grown into a significant entity with a global network of professional and amateur astronomers supporting her outreach initiatives across Kosovo. Through these extensive outreach activities, AOK has had a substantial impact, reaching and engaging with over 25,000 individuals annually. Her extraordinary commitment has earned her recognition as one of the five most influential women in Kosovo.
Her impact extended beyond AOK through collaborations with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of Kosovo, as well as other governmental institutions. Highly regarded for her expertise, she is in high demand as a speaker at universities and international astronomy conferences worldwide. In 2022, she made history by establishing the first International Astronomy and Planetary Sciences Convention in Kosovo, featuring esteemed astronomers and scientists.
Currently based in San Jose, California, Pranvera Hyseni’s research focuses on understanding the formation histories of asteroids, comets, and meteorites through spectroscopy analysis. In 2017, her contributions to the field received recognition from the International Astronomical Union and the Minor Planet Center, resulting in the naming of an asteroid in her name, 45687 Pranverahyseni. The Mars Generation organization honored her with the “24Under24” award for her leadership in STEM education. She received the “Master Outreach Award” from the Astronomical League in 2019 and the “Michael Reynolds Astronomy Award” from the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers in 2020.
Pranvera Hyseni’s research achievements extend to her provisional discovery of a Main Belt asteroid, 2020 SS13, utilizing data provided by Pan-STARRS in collaboration with the International Asteroid Search Collaboration. Her research endeavors received financial support with an amount of $5,000 through the “Casey J. Moore Fund Award” from her department at UC Santa Cruz.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Hyseni is the founder of Kosovo’s first observatory and planetarium. She envisions this science center as a crucial resource accessible to the public, furthering science and technology education. The facility accommodates a Celestron C14 Edge HD telescope with a CGX-L equatorial mount generously donated by Corey Lee, the CEO of Celestron – making it the largest telescope in the entire Republic of Kosovo.
Pranvera Hyseni’s unwavering dedication to advancing science education, outreach, and astronomical research marks her as a notable figure in the scientific community, leaving an enduring impact on generations to come. As a testament to her profound impact, she proudly serves as an Official Brand Ambassador for Celestron, inspiring countless individuals with the wonders of the universe.
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Public Outreach: Noche de Las Estrellas
2024-11-09 17:00 - 21:00 | Norton Science and Language Center, 230 S. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, United States
This is an annual international outreach event that takes place throughout Latin America, and this year one of its organizers has invited the OCA to participate by bringing some telescopes to the local site in San Bernardino. The event begins at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 9th (about half an hour before sunset). There will be a sizable number of educational groups participating, mostly from the Inland Empire, as one would expect by the location, 230 S. Waterman Ave. in San Bernardino.
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OCA Board Meeting
2024-11-10 10:30 - 13:30 | Online
The Board of Directors for the OCA will be having their meeting on Nov. 10, 2024 at 10:30am via Zoom. All current members are welcome, please notify the OCA secretary and a link will be sent out on the day of the meeting. Contact any board member with questions.
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OCA Outreach - Portola Hills Elementary
2024-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Portola Hills Elementary School, 19422 Saddleback Ranch Road, Lake Forest, CA, 92679, United States

OCA Private Outreach - Beacon Park Elementary
2024-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Beacon Park Elementary School, 200 Cultivate, Irvine, CA, Irvine, United States

Astroimagers Special Interest Group - online meeting.
2024-12-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Online
An online meeting of the Astroimagers Special Interest group to discuss the upcoming in person meetings and to gauge interest in resuming these meetings. If you are an OCA member and you are interested in learning more about astrophotography then please attend. Absolute beginners are welcome. A link to the zoom meeting will be provided on the OCA email lists before the meeting. Any questions please contact Alan Smallbone.
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Online Beginner's Class
2024-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Online
This is a free and open to the public online event, to attend please register with zoom by clicking here at or after 7:10pm.
The 4th session of the Beginners Astronomy Class covers the science behind the telescope.
How do our eyes actually perceive objects we see in the telescope and what is the physics that allows that perception.
For details, please visit here and download the sample information PDF package.
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General Meeting – December 2024
2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University, 336 N Center St, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
This is a free and open to the public hybrid event, held both inperson and online.
Due to the newly effective insurance requirements, we regret that we can not allow people under 18 on the Chapman Campus, they are welcome to attend online.
Join Zoom

This meeting’s speaker will present online from Michigan.

NASA’s Best Images and Videos 2024

Some of the most amazing images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) during 2024 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. Topics will include recently bright aurorae and comets visible from California, Webb and Hubble images of the nearby Solar System and distant universe, our active Sun, the best of amateur astrophotography from around the world, and more.

Dr. Robert Nemiroff is a Professor at Michigan Technological University. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He is perhaps best known as a creator and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day at https://apod.nasa.gov/ .
His recent bestseller book “Faster than Light: How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t” can be found here.
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AstroImaging Special Interest Group meeting
2025-01-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Orange Coast College, Building 40, Astronomy House, Merrimac Way, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Meeting of the Astroimaging Special Interest Group at Orange Coast College Astronomy House. Meeting is from 7pm to 10pm. Parking fees will apply and must be purchased online.
Any questions please contact Alan Smallbone
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Beginner's Class In-person event(New Location)
2025-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Orange Coast College, Building 40, Astronomy House, Merrimac Way, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
This is a free and open to the public event (In-person event only).
The 5th session of the Beginners Astronomy Class is the “How to Use Your Telescope”.
If you have a telescope and would like some help learning to set it up and use it, attend this Hands-on class.
For details, please visit here and download the sample information PDF package.
Event is held at Orange Coast College, near Building 40, Astronomy House.
Parking is $5.35 for a virtual daily parking permit and can only be paid online or by app at this time. There is no kiosk at the parking lot.
For instructions click on:
https://orangecoastcollege.edu/about/parking-and-public-safety/parking/index.html

Scroll down to: PURCHASE VIRTUAL DAILY PARKING PERMITS. You want LOT E which is ZONE 92847.

Click on the link for PassportParking.com to pay online. Go to the Menu and click on the PayOnline Button and follow the prompts. If you want to download the app, also usable at many other locations in the region and in the US, please follow the instructions provided by the App.
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General Meeting – January 2025
2025-01-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University, 336 N Center St, Orange, CA, 92866, United States
This is a free and open to the public hybrid event, held both inperson and online.
Due to the newly effective insurance requirements, we regret that we can not allow people under 18 on the Chapman Campus, they are welcome to attend online.
Join Zoom

This meeting’s speaker will present online from Arizona.

Rubin’s Revolution: From Data to Discovery

Vera C. Rubin Observatory will begin operation late this year. The observatory will employ a number of innovative technologies while conducting a ten-year survey of the southern sky, providing access to a vast data set that will enable an unprecedented number of discoveries. Learn more about this amazing new observatory and the types of science it will support.

Ardis Herrold is the Senior Education Specialist for Rubin Observatory. She oversees the Rubin Observatory Education program, which includes creation of classroom investigations using authentic data, teacher support materials, and teacher professional development.
Prior to joining Rubin Observatory, Ardis taught physical, Earth, and space sciences at the high school and college level, as well as working in planetariums and observatories. Ardis is a Past President of the National Earth Science Teachers Association and twice Past President of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association. A lifelong amateur astronomer, she has a personal observatory near Tucson, AZ, where she enjoys imaging deep sky objects, comets and supernovae.
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Private Outreach - Cielo Vista Elementary
2025-01-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Cielo Vista Elementary, 21811 Avenida De Los Fundadores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, United States

Private Outreach - Cypress Springs Elementary
2025-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Cypress Village Elementary School, 355 Rush Lily, Irvine, CA, 92620, United States
Address: 355 Rush Lily, Irvine
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OCA Outreach - Castille Elementary, Mission Viejo
2025-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Castille Elementary School, 24042 Vía La Coruna, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691, United States
It is with great reluctance that I must cancel the scheduled OCA Outreach at Castille Elementary School in Mission Viejo scheduled for today at 7:00 PM. However, the Weather Channel forecast for the city indicates in excess of 70 percent cloud cover for the entire period of the event, and we cannot have an outreach with that much cloudiness.
Martin Christensen
Outreach Coordinator, OCA

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OCA Outreach - Portola Springs Elementary
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Portola Hills Elementary School, 19422 Saddleback Ranch Road, Lake Forest, CA, 92679, United States

Private Outreach: Ball Junior High School
2025-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Ball Junior High School, Anaheim, 1500 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, 92802, United States

Private Outreach: Maxwell Elementary, Anaheim
2025-02-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Maxwell Elementary, Anaheim, 2613 Orange Avenue, Anaheim, 92804, United States
