Orange County Astronomers

American non-profit astronomy organization

Panoramic view of an OCA general meeting

The Orange County Astronomers (OCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, civilian-led astronomy organization in Orange County, southern California.[1][2] 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.[2] Currently, the OCA offers a dark-sky site to viewers, which includes a 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and public-use observation areas.[2] In addition, the OCA has been registered as an affiliate of the Astronomers Without Borders program since March of 2012.[3]

## OCA Observatory

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In September of 1984, a 22-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope along with an observatory were opened in the namesake of William Kuhn.[4] This telescope is operated at the OCA Observatory, located at a dark-sky site that is a two hour drive from Orange County.[2] Today there are several different areas on the site for observing pads, as well as several small observatory sites for individual members.[2] 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.[5] The site includes a mobile home outfitted with a kitchen and bathroom, and is used as a location to warm up in the winter, or cool off in the summer.[2]

## Activities

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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.[6]

## Library

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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

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Asteroid 6525 Ocastron, discovered by Jack B. Child and Greg Fisch in 1992, was named in recognition and appreciation of the Orange County Astronomers.[1] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 1 June 1996 (M.P.C. 27331).[7]

## See also

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* List of astronomical societies

## References

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1. ^ a b "6525 Ocastron (1992 SQ2)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
2. ^ a b c d e f "Orange County Astronomers - About OCA". ocastronomers.org. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
3. ^ "Orange County Astronomers". astronomerswithoutborders.org. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
4. ^ "Orange County Astronomers - The Kuhn Telescope". ocastronomers.org. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
5. ^ "Orange County Astronomers - Star Member". ocastronomers.org. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
6. ^ "Exploring the Universe: A Comprehensive Guide to Reflector Telescope Parts". Retrieved 2024-01-09.
7. ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 16 July 2019.

## External links

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* Official website

Portals:

* California
* Astronomy
* Stars
* Spaceflight
* Outer space
* Solar System
* Education
* Science