Warren County has a history of astronomy.

Since the 1930s, there have been off-and-on astronomy clubs and observatories in the county.

There is a new opportunity for those looking to the skies.

The Pennsylvania Wilds Astronomy Club is a venture of Steve Conard of Tioga County.

“I moved up here from Maryland last year,” Conard said.

With dark skies all around, there was plenty of opportunity for star-gazing, but no like-minded groups to share that interest with.

There were clubs, but the nearest he found were in Corning, N.Y., and State College.

“I was missing my astronomy club,” he said. “I found a couple of other amateur astronomers over here in the Tioga County area and we decided to form our own local club.”

Not wanting to disenfranchise anyone who might be interested, Conard and company latched onto a far-ranging name.

“Maxine Harrison of the Cherry Springs State Dark Sky Fund suggested the Pennsylvania Wilds name for our group,” Conard said.

The Wilds Region includes 13 northern-tier counties – including Warren County.

The group officially formed in January and is seeking members.

“Since we currently have no expenses, we are free to join at this time,” Conard said. “To join, you must live or observe in the Wilds Region – or a nearby Pennsylvania or New York county.”

Joining a club isn’t required to enjoy the night sky.

“While amateur astronomy can be a very individual hobby, many of us like the camaraderie of at least a casual group,” Conard said. “The clubs I have been part of in the past typically offered monthly meetings, group observing, and public outreach.”

Some of those meetings featured guest speakers on astronomy- and space-related subjects.

Conard said he hopes to have a first group observing as soon as the weather gets a bit warmer, with monthly club member meetings — in-person and virtual — starting in the fall.

In the meantime, club members are working on outreach – setting up at events throughout the region to help find people who are interested.

“Our solar telescope observing for Wellsboro’s Winter Celebration in February resulted in 5 new members joining, getting us up to about 15,” Conard said.

A list of upcoming outreach events is available at pawildsastro.org.

“People can join by either filling out the form on our website, or contacting us directly through email at astro@ptd.net,” Conard said.