{South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association}
South Florida residents can explore the night sky at free telescope-viewing events hosted by the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA), including an upcoming celebration at Big Cypress National Preserve.
Coconut Creek resident Dr. John Warner, Ph.D., a member of SFAAA, is helping spread awareness of the organization’s free astronomy programs, which give residents of all ages opportunities to observe planets, stars and other celestial objects.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Big Cypress National Preserve will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its International Dark Sky Park designation with astronomy activities at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, 33100 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee.
The free celebration will feature astronomy exhibits, presentations, demonstrations, telescopes and astrophotography displays from noon to 5:30 p.m., with participation from South Florida astronomy organizations.
At 6:30 p.m., the National Park Service will host an evening program farther down Seagrape Drive, followed by telescope viewing, weather permitting. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, insect repellent and red flashlights to preserve night vision.
Closer to home, SFAAA volunteers offer free public telescope viewing every Saturday evening, weather permitting, at Fox Observatory in Markham Park in Sunrise. The next scheduled viewing is Halloween, Oct. 31.
Warner, who participates in the organization’s outreach activities, uses a computerized telescope capable of automatically locating and tracking thousands of celestial objects. He also sets up his telescope in his driveway each Halloween, weather permitting, allowing neighborhood families to view Saturn and other celestial sights.
The organization also brings astronomy programs directly to schools, parks and neighborhoods throughout South Florida. Previous outreach locations include Fern Forest Nature Center and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Through these programs, volunteers hope to inspire an interest in astronomy, physics, mathematics and science, particularly among young people.
SFAAA encourages schools, community associations and civic organizations to arrange their own free astronomy evenings. Host locations need an open area with limited artificial lighting, convenient parking for telescope equipment and advance publicity.
The organization provides telescopes, equipment and volunteers at no cost.
For more information about upcoming observing opportunities or arranging a community astronomy event, visit SFAAA’s website.
Additional information about the Nov. 7 celebration is available through the National Park Service’s Big Cypress astronomy program.
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