Our Astro SIG (Special Interest Group) is one of the best ways to help you learn this all consuming hobby. Copyright 2013 - 2022 Sarasota County offers miles of trails and thousands of acres to explore in our natural area parks and preserves. The menu contains French and European specialties. The Manatees Have Been Returned to the Wild. Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Log in to Night Sky Network UsernamePassword Forgot your password? At 1o a.m., he will give a beginner's course called the "ABCs of Astronomy," followed by a Q&A session called "AHA! You can check with the local Sarasota-Bradenton club LGDSO athttp://www.lgdso.com/index.html, try this URL to get to the site:http://www.lgdso.com/, DSLR, Mirrorless & General-Purpose Digital Camera DSO Imaging, Community Forum Software by IP.BoardLicensed to: Cloudy Nights. Is there another way to contact them? & U-of-A NEWSLETTERS & ACTIVITIES HERE, Learn the Night Sky: Download/Print Current Month Sky Chart HEREor The Full Year(different) HERE, Want a Stargazing App for Your Phone? New members can join the club for only $20.00. Lastly, please bear in mind that there can be no standardized agenda for observing as the objects we are able to see continually change over time as the night sky unfolds above us. Welcome to the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA). We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. If you arrive after Sunset there will be nobody at the front entrance just come right on through. Amateur astronomer's telescopes at the Chiefland Florida Star Party, Twin 16" Binocular Telescope at Chiefland Star Party, An amateur astronomer's large computer controlled dobsonian telescope at Chiefland Florida, An all wood telescope at Chiefland Star Party. A brightly lit and decorated Christmas tree on the front porch greeted us when we pulled up to our "honeymoon cottage" atSteinhatchee Landing Resort. Bringing along a bottle of red wine, crackers, cheese and red grapes, you can munch and sip as you chug along the Steinhatchee, which - with its limestone outcroppings and towering cypress trees - looks much more mysterious in the moonlight. Heading intoCedar Key, you will drive by countless pine trees, horses and cow pastures. Club members are always invited to attend the programs. Click here for the 2023 Seahawk Star Party schedule. Click Here for Telescopius. SAC members meet monthly for both general meetings and observing sessions, and regularly conduct and support public programs on astronomy. Being a member of an astronomy club brings many benefits. Nature walks even happen at night - to view the full moon or meteor shower events! Youve most likely heard about Orion, and other constellations, stars, planets and galaxies at a place like the Bishop PlanetariuminBradenton, just north of Sarasota. "We could reach a larger audience this way," says Hochhalter. We encourage all of our members to be active participants in club activities so all of us can benefit! In Sarasota, there are plenty of Florida stargazing opportunities nearby. WELCOME TO THE SONORA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE . Our emphasis is telescope observing, family participation, and public enjoyment of the wonders of the starry night. SAC is one of the larger amateur astronomy clubs in the Phoenix area. Find groups in to connect with people who share your interests. SkyLive not only has a great sky chart (in the Planetarium tab) but has a wealth of other astronomy information. Each year I brought a telescope with me. Take advantage of the resort's numerous recreational activities. Our Observatory Team opens up the Moore Observatory at FSW Charlotte Campus (26000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda) on the third Friday of each month. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Has Secured an Additional State Funded Grant to Extend Efforts for Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation. If you've enjoyed your visit please consider a small donation to help us keep the scopes turned up and the lights turned down. Walk to the tip of the south jetty, where you may startle great herons standing perfectly still, used to having the jetty to themselves at night. 12-16-22 Welcome to the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA). Our Astro SIG has a HUGE educational component, members teaching members. They're great opportunities to learn more about the constellations of the night sky, and to use high-quality telescopes. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH199) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMER-RESOURCES/CHARITIES. Walks often focus on a blooming wildflower, rare or endangered animals, different habitats or historical and cultural features. However, please be aware that we are a non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from the County. We are an astronomy club representing Green Valley and Sahuarita, Arizona. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. This telescope, in its updated and restored state, resides in the Fox Observatory on the grounds of Broward County's Markham Park. 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236, Celebrate National Astronomy Day with The Bishop Museum, Darren Gambrell Makes Higher Education More Accessible and Inclusive, Palmer Ranch Holdings Announces New President, A New Sarasota Art Museum Exhibit Brings Together Two Brother Artists and Hundreds of Residents, A Fast-Paced, Fan-Favorite Special Speaker Event is Back. We do not charge an admission fee to the observatory. There are several parking locations available in downtown Bradenton that are convenient to the Museum, including the County parking garage at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 10th Street West. Our affordable family memberships (only $25) are a great way to learn, grow, meet new friends and stay involved in astronomy and astrophotography. Astronomy Club at FIU - Miami Brevard Astronomical Society Central Florida Astronomical Society, Seminole County Chiefland Astronomy Village is the current host of the well-known Chiefland Fall Star Party and also monthly star parties on their dedicated observing field. While the museum is closed due to the pandemic, staff are still providing opportunities for guests to learn and have a good time. Florida's Big Bend is home to the small fishing town ofSteinhatchee, known for some of the country's best scalloping, and the island community of Cedar Key. "Blast Off With The Bishop" is on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. over Zoom. Let's face it, learning Astrophotography is hard! The full-dome Planetariums Digistar 6 dual projection system and latest-generation software provide stunning views and allow for constant updating as new astronomy discoveries are found. The Saguaro Astronomy Club (SAC) was formed in 1977 to promote fellowship and the exchange of information among its members amateur astronomers. State Parkused as a secondary observing site by the Saint Petersburg Astronomy Club. NO public astronomy events scheduled. With the costs of rental aircraft rising to new highs, our founding members all felt the burden of having to find a way to pay for flight training to acheive our dreams. Click. 5-19-23, Our observing team also sets up solar telescopes on the 1st Saturday of the month (from 9am - Noon) to look at the Sun, looking for solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena. Each year I brought a telescope with me. We are an astronomy club representing Green Valley and Sahuarita, Arizona. Every clear night is a celebration for stargazers, says The Bishop's HowardHochhalter. Planning for light pollution and clouds is a constant job for the successful astronomer and astrophotographer. Participants on county nature walks should wear suitable clothes and shoes for walking. Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences, This is not recommended for shared computers, Back to Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences, First Light with the Orion xx16g with ASI678MC and 2x Barlow, Can't Focus Orange C14 with Starizona SCT Corrector LF, Unstacked panorama with foreground - exposure time. Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices, where participants use location coordinates to find caches. We want people to learn about the night sky, and connect with each other in some way, says Hochhalter. Welcome! We receive no compensation for our recommendations, but donations are kindly accepted! Our Observatory Team opens up the Moore Observatory at FSW Charlotte Campus (26000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda) on the third Friday of each month. NASA hosts a galaxy of citizen science programs that you can get involved in! The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers is an organization for astronomy enthusiasts in the Sarasota/Bradenton (Tampa Bay area) of Florida. 11-18-22 You might try connecting with these folks on facebook..St. Petersburg Astronomy Club, somewhat friendly. Click NEW LINKS or Look HERE, Watch NSN Feb 23rd Webinar: NASAs Exoplanet Watch citizen science program See Video Details HERE, 2023 Meteor Showers Dates and Information Click on News + Letters, *** Feb 14th Meeting Presentation PDF: HERE, * NOTE* Please join us for our monthly meetings as we finally Return to La Posada, Time: Meeting 7:00 pm (See Meetings), Location: La Posada for In-Person + Zoom, Zoom details will be sent to members by email. The Friday night dinner cruise costs $40 per person and departs around 7 p.m. from Cocoa Village. East Valley Astronomy Club, Scottsdale, Arizona Eastern Michigan University Astronomy Club, Ypsilanti, Michigan El Paso Astronomy Club, Texas Erie County Mobile Observers ,Erie, PA Escambia Amateur Astronomers AssociationPensacola, Florida Eugene Astronomical Society, Oregon Evansville Astronomical Society, Indiana Everett Astronomical Plan for sun protection (hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) and should have water with them. We meet at the Moore Observatory (in Punta Gorda) every month as well as solar observing in the Port Charlotte area. Think of stargazing in Florida and the Space Coast, home toKennedy Space Centerand shuttle launches, springs to mind. He brought with him an optical tube assembly for a 6-inch f/15 refractor. Maps, meetings, past events, resources, star party etiquette, and telescope loan program located in Cape Coral. Formed in 1927 (42 years before Neil Armstrong took "one small step for mankind"), the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club is the oldest astronomy club in the southeastern United States. The Queen is also available for private charters. . By VISIT FLORIDA staff Essential Accessories. Click HERE to learn more. 2-17-23 10-21-22 Membership in the Night Sky Network is free, but program participation is required to remain listed on the program website. You can use the school's telescopes to observe the moon, stars and planets. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from September through May at the La Posada Recreation Center, 550 S. La Posada Circle, Green Valley, AZ, plus Zoom livestream. 11-5-22 / Bayshore Live Oak Planning for light pollution and clouds is a constant job for the successful astronomer and astrophotographer. For instance, in Venice, you can walk the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier. We also want to develop realistic expectations for what they will see.. There will be a temporary vacancy in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while we perform scheduled routine maintenance. 11-18-22 SEAHAWK STAR PARTIES Typically the best time in Southwest Florida for star parties is from September - May but if we see an available weather window, we'll announce it here and on our email lists. Wether you are a newcomer to the hobby or a long time observing veteran, our range of events, programs, member interests, and observing aids can be at your disposal. More about this and other astronomy highlights 2023. . We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. 12-3-22 / Gilchrist Date: Thursday, March 16th, 2023, NOTE: will be CANCELED when Inclement Weather, Location: Canoa Preserve Park 3.2 miles south from Continental & Whitehouse Canyon/Medera Canyon Rd, on Camino De La Canoa (3500 S Camino De La Canoa), What is the ZOONIVERSE? Unfortunately, the need for manatee rehabilitation is great and we will have new short-term residents to care for soon. There are easy strolls on paved trails and longer hikes on winding footpaths through pristine woodlands. M.A.R.S. Each room is individually decorated. Many times our experienced members partner with the Rangers to present these programs. Saunter through historic downtown Cocoa, full of quaint boutiques and outdoor cafs, stopping at CafMargaux. Solar Observing In Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. There, Brevard Astronomical Society volunteers hold viewings - free and open to the public - through one of the largest telescopes in Florida. Binocular shake can quickly end an astronomy viewing session. Ever since, its members have been bringing the universe closer to all South Floridians. Monthly meeting status is in the newsletter. Please contact the club for up-to-date information on their viewing schedules, telescope availability, membership info, and public outreach programs. The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association was founded in 1965, with as its principal motivation to provide information and create an opportunity to participate. I doubt they rent scopes but they are pretty active, and I got a good tip on a fairly decent site to watch from close to St Petes beach. Someone will have just made it about as warm and welcoming as possible. We meet at the Moore Observatory (in Punta Gorda) every month as well as solar observing in the Port Charlotte area. Copyright 2023 Saguaro Astronomy Club Approximately 200 nature walks are provided annually by county staff and volunteers to county residents free of charge. Get a tripod with mount that is sturdy and won't shake. Street Parking and Garage Parking Available! Each month a new exciting & educational topic! Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after it is dark enough to see the stars and continue as long as stargazers linger. 1-7-23 / Ponce deLeon The romanticInn at Cocoa Beach is large and lavish, with enough amenities to safely be called a beach "resort," the inn still somehow manages to feel intimate and homey. We use and recommend LightPollution.Info, Astrospheric and Clear Outside. Let's face it, learning Astrophotography is hard! WELCOME TO THE SONORA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE. The Ocala Astronomy Club currently boasts three dozen members and can be reached at (352) 680-1737 or kking660@earthlink.net for future meeting and event information. & U-of-A NEWSLETTERS & ACTIVITIES, NASA hosts a galaxy of citizen science programs that you can get involved in! 28. Astronomy Club)sponsored by Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, Nature Coast Amateur Astronomers - Spring Hill/Brooksville, South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, University of Central Florida Astronomy Society. Your club will join a national coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing astronomy and the excitement of NASA missions to your communities. Come observe the skies with us! You dont need a telescopeto truly enjoy gazing at the starry night. Once staff has received the application, it will be approved or denied by the site manager and any other partners that may be involved with the property. . Sarasota Aero Club was founded by local instructors and pilots who saw the need for top quality instruction and rental aircraft, all at an affordable price. Online or connected star maps are an awesome way to plan your observing or shoot. In Sarasota, there are plenty of Florida stargazing opportunities nearby. South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, Inc. a not-for-profit Florida corporation {501(c)3}, 16001 West State Road 84, Sunrise, Florida 33326 {Telephone: (954) 384-0442}, Saturday Night Public Astronomy at Fox Observatory. Use it to locate a planet, the Moon, or the Sun and track their movements across the sky. It has indicators and labels for Messier objects and a search capability for comets. To register and learn more, click here or call (941) 746-4131. 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236Phone: (941) 487-1100. At a glance, it shows when it will be cloudy or clear for the next few days. not only has a great sky chart (in the Planetarium tab) but has a wealth of other astronomy information. This group also sponsors awards for members observing all objects on various lists. The map also shows the phases of the Moon, and all solar and lunar eclipses. Several functions may not work. Tripod & mount - no matter how lightweight your binoculars are, your arms will get tired. The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the premier astronomy facility on Florida's west coast and our new state-of-the-art projection system and software is 1 times brighter than our previous system and has four times the contrast. 4-1-23 / Ponce deLeon Upon entering, dont be alarmed if it looks like someone has already made themselves at home - the room will be bathed in soft light, the smell of cranberry-orange wafted from a lit candle, and Pachelbel's Canon playing in the background. The innkeepers will also take you out on resort's pontoon boat. We'll generally open the observatory around dusk and typically wind things down by midnight. SAC members meet monthly for both general meetings and observing sessions, and regularly conduct and support public programs on astronomy. Organized by astronomy clubs and societies, star parties are typically free and open to the public . The public sessions are free and held weather permitting. 31. Club name: Southwest Florida Astronomical Society Address: PO Box 100127 City: Cape Coral State: FL Zip: The Night Sky Network program is dedicated to helping astronomy clubs in t See more 231,284 people like this 3-4-23 / Gilchrist Florida is filled with starry nights - read on to find out where the best spots are hiding, waiting for you to discover them. For more details, contact one of the officers or drop in on a meeting. This is also the planetarium's first time conducting virtual sessions, and while museum staff would have preferred a physical gathering, the virtual option will suffice. BIG CYPRESS NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS The Rangers at Big Cypress present frequent dark sky programs. Observing sessions make getting help much easier if you cant find that faint fuzzy object, chances are there is someone nearby who can help you. Sidewalk Astronomy for January 28th 2023 YOUR LAST CHANCE TO OBSERVE SATURN AT SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY UNTIL SEPTEMBER! There are 18 permanent planetariums in the state of FL that feature space and astronomy programs. He and his wife Sylvia then retired to North Miami near Miami Gardens Drive and US-1. The pier, which juts 700 feet over the Gulf, can sometimes be busy at late hours of the night. SAC is one of the larger amateur astronomy clubs in the . Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Log in to Night Sky Network UsernamePassword Forgot your password? For the last few years (except 2020 due to COVID) I have driven from my home in the Toronto area to Sarasota for Christmas. Our affordable family memberships (only $25) are a great way to learn, grow, meet new friends and stay involved in astronomy and astrophotography. Just find a star party near you. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), Phillippi Creek Septic System Replacement, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition, Transportation (Hurricane Evacuation Center), A Claim for Property Damage or Personal Injury, Ed Smith Sports Complex / Baltimore Orioles, Commemorative Picnic Table and Bench Program, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Accessibility, Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator Concessionaires, Alligator Creek Conservation and Recreation Area, Buchan Airport Community Park / Kiwanis Park, Carlton Reserve (T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve), Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility, Chauncy Howard Park (No Parking- Pedestrian Access Only). The lecture series will again be offered online via the video conferencing service Zoom. Our Astro SIG has a HUGE educational component, members teaching members. Kayak on the Steinhatchee River. For instance, in Venice, you can walk the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier. We meet the 1st Thursday of each month (7:00 P.M.) at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905-7811 and on Zoom (check newsletter for link). More Info on Astrophotography. Copyright 2013 - 2022 Government Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Things To Do Programs and Events. If your equipment sells, please come back and modify your post title with "--SOLD". The new system also allowsThe Bishop to share live on-air events as they happen. Is there anywhere Clubs that loan telescopes in the area? The area also offers more "social" ways to stargaze in Florida. (click for directions). Novice group meetings are held at various times throughout the year; announcements will appear in the SAC Newsletter. Most walks are less than 2 miles in distance and are 1.5-2 hours in duration. The Sarasota Shell Club presents its 59th Annual Shell Show! Please contact them for public viewing programs and hours. From the innocent wonder of the children to the amazement of the adults, every night is another great adventure. Here are some planning tools our members use and recommend. 1-7-23 / Ponce deLeon THE LATEST S.A.S. See the following link for membership rates. Many times our experienced members partner with the Rangers to present these programs. Astronomy Clubs | 2023 Global List | GO ASTRONOMY There are over 600 amateur astronomy clubs in the U.S. Telescopes will be up and available for public viewing from 6:45 p.m.. - 10 p.m. (weather permitting). Other clubs in Central Florida include: Alachua Astronomy Club (Gainesville) Central Florida Astronomical Society (Seminole County) Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (Sarasota . Your hosts can drive you to "Road to Nowhere" (a.k.a. Learn all about the night sky with these free virtual lectures on Saturday, May 2. Sarasota Magazine Online or connected star maps are an awesome way to plan your observing or shoot. 10-21-22 To place a geocache in a Sarasota County park or preserve, please fill outthis application and review the guidelines. TTY: 7-1-1or 1-800-955-8771. Stellarium Has an impressive looking sky chart but learning how to label deep sky objects is not obvious. Under an agreement with the Broward County Board of County Commissioners the SFAAA operates the Fox Astronomical Observatory in Broward Countys Markham Park. The Planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing you to explore the universe through immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. Our featured walks, which are led by local experts and park naturalists, provide an opportunity to explore the beautiful natural world around us. Come observe the skies with us! Or maybe you'd like to see the stars and planets up-close but you don't have a telescope. Each month a new exciting & educational topic! Contact a club beforehand for current activities. So, in celebration of National Astronomy Day, the museum is offering free virtual sessions over Zoom, where guests can learn and ask questions about outer space. Rates are pro-rated quarterly for new members and include the club newsletter. When you get to the 4-way stop, turn left, then take the first right, come to the end of the circle. One of the oldest, the Deep-Sky group, observes and studies faint objects that lie outside the solar system. Sarasota County 1660 Ringling Blvd., Once an application is approved, you will be issued a permit number. this board is visible to both club members and non-members alike. We'd be happy to arrange for a private star party or lecture for your organization. Check out LOVE THE NIGHT SKY website HERE, HERE is what HUBBLE is looking at RIGHT NOW, ** VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE STAR-GAZING EVENTS **~, Location: Tumaccori National Historic Park1895 E Frontage Road Tumacacori, AZ 85640, School & Community Events (not public events), * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *. All Rights Reserved. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. 5-6-23 / Bayshore Live Oak, Our Astrophotography Special Interest Group (SIG) meets monthly, schedules monthly field trips, has an info/discussion email list. Here are some planning tools our members use and recommend. However, this year I will be flying and can't bring a telescope. Solar Observing In Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda. It is specifically set up to help beginners sort out their many choices while deciding to purchase either a telescope or observing accessories. Binocular "L" adapter - you will need an . There's a wine and cheese social around sunset every day. Learn more on Meetings Page. In the late 1960s Dr. Joseph Dennison Foxcompleted his tenure as Professor of Astronomy and Historyat the University of Puerto Rico. WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMER-RESOURCES/CHARITIES. Details Date: December 14, 2021 Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Event Category: Nature & Discovery Event Tags: kids, night, science, stargazing Organizer The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Phone: 941-746-4131 Email: info@bishopscience.org View Organizer Website Venue The Bay Park 1055 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 + Google Map Related Events LOGIN CLUBS & EVENTS NIGHT SKY PLANNER OUTREACH RESOURCES ABOUT THE NETWORK Join the Network FAQ The club continues to take measures to manage the dangers of the Covid pandemic by meeting both in person and on Zoom. The planetarium offers star shows on the weekends. The club continues to take measures to manage the dangers of the Covid pandemic by meeting both in person and on Zoom. 2-4-23 / Bayshore Live Oak Call 311or941-861-5000 We receive no compensation for our recommendations, but donations are kindly accepted! 10am5pm TuesdaySaturday | Noon5pm Sunday | Closed Monday. 30. In The Planetarium, you can lift off from Earth and fly beyond our solar system, out of our galaxy towards the very edge of the universe. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Our many goals include outreach & educating the public, as well as teaching the art and skill of observing and photographing the wonders of the night sky. Club members also receive discounted rates on astronomy magazines and books. BIG CYPRESS NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS The Rangers at Big Cypress present frequent dark sky programs. Some walks focus on healthy activities or hobbies, like nature photography, meditation, geocaching or physical fitness. 2-17-23 The observatory will be the flat roof building with the red lights. County Road 361), which is a long, perfectly straight road. The Grady House has two places with spectacular views of the constellation in the night sky: its balcony and the huge, beautifully landscaped backyard, complete with gardens, a koi pond, bamboo grove and a gazebo hidden away in a secluded corner. We use and recommend LightPollution.Info, Astrospheric and Clear Outside. It's a prediction of when Sarasota, FL, will have good weather for astronomical observing. While the building is owned by the county, all the equipment in it is owned by the club, and the costs for maintaining it as well as the cost for power, phone and even this web site are wholly borne by the SFAAA. Looking for Support as a Budding Amateur? For your staying accommodations, stay at the elegantIsland Room, which overlooks a small beach. The Astronomical League is an umbrella organization of amateur astronomy clubs and societies. Ancient City Astronomy Club - St. Augustine, Central Florida Astronomical Society, Seminole County, Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association - Pensacola, Local Group of Deep Space Observers - Sarasota Bradenton, Museum Astronomical Resource Society (a.k.a. Admission is FREE but those interested in attending are asked to register using the form below. Prior to complete darkness, visitors can not be admitted into the observatory as the equipment needs to be setup and aligned with the stars each time but early arrivers are welcome to enjoy views of the lake and the scenery of the campus from the lakeside picnic tables. We have subgroups within the club. At the pier's tip, you can search the southern sky for Orion, the constellation marked by three stars in a diagonal that's supposed to represent the hunter's belt. Organized by astronomy clubs and societies, star parties are typically free and open to the public. You just need good weather something Florida has plenty of. 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