Here you can find all kinds of astronomy-related activities from South Florida groups, schools, national, regional and local parks and from people just like you. We invite you to participate and enjoy every one of them…
Southern Cross Saturday star parties, weather permitting:
SCAS FREE STAR PARTIES at dusk three times per month, except on those weekends which fall on NEW MOON……On those dates look for the next event in this list.
Bill Sadowsky Park, 17555 SW 79th Ave. Palmetto Bay, Fl. 33157
305-661-1375
Facebook page
Bring family, friends, faculty, students, future astronomers, chairs, binoculars, telescopes, bug repellent, jackets and dress appropriately. Tour the dark, winter star-studded sky in SCAS hi-tech equipment. No white lights, lasers, litter, alcohol or pets. Park in the parking lot and walk over to the observing pad. Observing at Bill Sadowski Park will be closed on new moon Saturdays so we may use our dark sky facility in the Redlands. Please watch our Facebook page and our website for all future events, updates and cancellations.
Southern Cross new moon star party, weather permitting:
On one Saturday each month, come to the New Moon Star Party, dusk til 10 p.m. hosted by Southern Cross Astros. Bring family, friends, chairs, binoculars, bug repellent to the D’Auria Observatory. Hi-tech SCAS equipment will be focused on the stars and deep sky wonders that the Winter skies have to offer. The D’Auria Dark Sky Observatory is located at 23325 SW 217 Avenue, Homestead, 33031. Please remember to park outside the gate. NO public vehicle traffic is permitted on the field. NO lasers, lights, litter, alcohol or pets. Sadowski Park Star Party, Palmetto Bay will be closed. For information call 305-661-1375 or 305-439-1351. All cancellations will be posted on the SCAS Facebook page prior to the start of any star party. SADOWSKI PARK WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE NEW MOON STAR PARTY!
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2020 Winter Star Party (SCAS):
The Winter Star Party “WSP” is a serious event designed for amateur astronomers. WSP is held annually, usually during the new moon in February. The event is unique in that it occurs mid-winter during the height of the Florida Keys tourist season. The warm weather, coupled with dark skies, and possibly the steadies skies in North America attracts attendees from all over the frozen United States, Canada, and Europe giving the event an international flavor. The amateur astronomical “get-to-together” allows participants to meet and share observing ideas, astro-imaging techniques, as well as find out what’s new in the hobby. WSP offers a stellar daily line-up of speakers who are experts in their particular field.
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Frost Planetarium:
One of the most advanced spaces like it in the U.S., the cutting-edge 250-seat Frost Planetarium takes you on visual joyrides that both thrill and educate. Though it might seem like you’re really hurtling through space or weaving through a coral reef or DNA strand, that ultra-real immersive experience is the result of a 16-million-color 8K visual system using six 3D-capable projectors and surround sound. The dome is tilted forward at 23.5 degrees, allowing its 67-foot span to fill your field of vision as if you’re flying—imagery comes at you from above, below and the peripheral edges, creating a nearly 360-degree view of whatever world you’re in. In addition to outstanding shows, our staff-led programming allows school groups to travel to the planet or galaxy of their choice. Frost Planetarium also displays spellbinding laser light events, innovative live programming and is available for private presentations. Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. No admittance after Frost Planetarium doors close. No food, drink or strollers allowed inside.
Explore the stars and the universe at the Buehler Planetarium & Observatory:
Buehler Planetarium: The Buehler Planetarium is currently closed for an exciting renovation. But you can still join us at the Buehler Planetarium every Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stop by during that time and enjoy what we can see in the sky. Teachers are encouraged to book an outreach visit with our portable planetarium and to arrange field trips to Buehler Planetarium. The Broward College Observatory: The powerful telescopes in our observatory are just outside the Planetarium in the patio. See the planets, nebulae and the moon in unparalleled detail (weather permitting) during evening observation hours, after our evening shows. All observations are free and open to the public.
Hours & Contact Info, Evening Observation Hours, Wednesday: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Office Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone: (954) 201-6681
Saturday Night Public Viewing at Fox Observatory:
PLEASE NOTE: Fox Astronomical Observatory at Markham Park is closed while renovation work continues on the building. At this time the scopes inside the building have been removed, but there will be member-owned telescopes set up on the property and available during our regular Saturday night observing sessions, weather permitting. At this time Broward County cannot give us a date when the building will reopen. Please check our Facebook page for notice of cancellation due to inclement weather during this period. Stop by and see what’s up any Saturday night, we’re looking forward to sharing the South Florida night sky with you. We’ll generally open the observatory around dusk and typically wind things down by midnight. If you arrive at the park before Sunset the toll taker at the front entrance will be able to direct you to the Fox Observatory inside the park. If you arrive after Sunset there will be nobody at the front entrance – just come right on through. When you get to the 4-way stop, turn left, then take the first right, come to the end of the circle. The observatory will be the flat roof building with the red lights. If you arrive before Sunset the park charges an entrance fee of $1.50 per person. We do not charge an admission fee to the observatory.
University of Miami Astronomy Club:
The Astronomy Club aims to provide students with the opportunity to view planets, stars, and NEO (near earth objects) in a relaxed, friendly, student-run atmosphere. Meeting Time: Sunday 7:00 pm Recurring Bi-Monthly. Location: Mechanical Engineering 215. Organization Email Address:
umehs@miamiedu.onmicrosoft.com
Stargazing at Bahia Honda:
It is a little known fact that Bahia Honda is the darkest location for stargazing in the Florida Keys. Twice a month Bahia Honda State Park hosts two stargazing programs. The Friday night program is hosted by the Florida Keys Astronomy Club and our very own park ranger, Jay Elliot. The local club sets up telescopes for campers to view the galaxies, constellations, nebulas, and so much more. Each of these club members is very knowledgeable and you are sure to see and learn something new about the universe.
Stargazing at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park:
Located on a barrier island on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is tucked away from major city lights. Minimal light pollution affords breathtaking opportunities to witness a truly dark sky. Offering the best viewing of the night sky in the region, park staff are working towards a designation as a Dark Sky Park with the International Dark Sky Association.
Astronomy Day Craft Activity at IKEA Miami:
(This event happened only in 2018, we maintain it in this list just in case they make it again)
We will celebrate Astronomy Day with a fun creative project. Wed, October 10, 2018. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT . Bring the kids for a fun day out and be part of the IKEA Miami Kids’ Club, a FREE, family-friendly service for children ages 3 – 12. Activity to take place in the restaurant. These activities are an exclusive benefit for IKEA FAMILY Members. Show your IKEA FAMILY Member card at the activity to participate. This is not a drop off site; parents and/or guardians must be present during the activity. Please arrive on time. Please remember to bring your IKEA Miami Kids’ Club card to mark your participation.