Astronomy Exhibition at Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT)in Oceanside, California coming July 22 and 29. It is among the largest annual astronomy expos in Southern California.
Oceanside Photo and Telescope News Release
2006 July 14
Oceanside, CA -- Some of the biggest names in the astronomy community will gather here this month for the second annual Southern California Astronomy Exposition hosted by Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT), located at 918 Mission Ave., in Oceanside, CA.
The free exhibition, which attracted 800 visitors last year, is open to the public, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 22 and 29 on the grounds of OPT's 15,000-square foot facility. The expo is one of the largest annual astronomy events in Southern California.
A series of six astronomy-related seminars, which are scheduled for July 29, will be held in OPT's new permanent Underground Photo Gallery. The industrial-chic gallery opened in early July with a variety of works by acclaimed local photographers specializing in nouveau art, portraiture, sports in action, composite and landscape photography.
Expo seminars on July 22 include "Southern Nights, Northern Lights," conducted by Dennis Mammana, a former astronomy writer from the San Diego Union-Tribune and author of six books on astronomy. Also included in the lineup is Gary Palmer, a published imager who will speak on observing the sun. At the end of the day, guests are invited to participate in a free "star party" at the San Pasqual Historic Battlefield in Escondido, where telescopes will be provided.
The expo continues in OPTs parking lot on July 29, with more than 20 different manufactures from the telescope and optical industries conducting equipment demonstrations and various presentations in astronomy geared for both novice and expert stargazers. Participating companies include Meade, Celestron, Cannon and Nikon. More than $12,000 worth of telescopes and astronomy-related items will be raffled off. And food and beverages will also be served.
Oceanside Photo and Telescope, founded in 1947, remains Southern California's largest, most established supplier of cameras and telescopes. The stores web site is: www.optcorp.com.
Interviews with OPT owner Craig Weatherwax, or exposition astronomers can be arranged by calling Frank Sabatini Jr. at 619-543-9544 or OPT at 800-483-6287.
This story was originally titled "Southern California Astronomy Exhibition At Oceanside Photo And Telescope July 22 and 29 Visual Seminars; Nighttime Sky Viewings for Visitors of All Ages".
Copyright © 2006, Brian Webb. All rights reserved.