Last Call for 2025 Membership Dues
It's time to pay your 2025 membership dues.
This year, again the dues are only an affordable $30 for a family membership!
To pay your dues online, please click this link.
Or you send a check or pay in person at our next meeting on Mar. 6, 2025
Any existing members who have not paid by March will be removed from the membership roster.
The Southwest Florida Astronomical Society
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.Monthly Meetings, Outreach, Field Trips
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). We are beginning to meet for dinner before our meetings. Paid members will receive an email regarding the event.Monthly Observing Sessions
Come observe the skies with us! We meet at the Moore Observatory (in Punta Gorda) every month as well as solar observing in the Port Charlotte area.Star Parties & Public Outreach
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. The scheduled dates for 2025 are: Feb. 1, March 22, Apr. 26, May 24, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 13. Click here for more info.
BIG CYPRESS NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS The Rangers at Big Cypress present frequent dark sky programs. Many times our experienced members partner with the Rangers to present these programs. Club members are always invited to attend the programs.
Monthly Calendar of Events
Monthly meeting status is in the newsletter. Click here for the 24/25 Seahawk Star Party schedule.2025 Programs & Speakers Series
Join us monthly for informative programs that will educate, excite, and leave you wanting and searching for more.
April 3, 2025
Our speaker for the April Meeting is Steven Koenig of Starizona.
Starizona Optics: The Why, When, and How to Use Them.
Steven Koenig is the manager of Starizona, a renowned astronomy retailer based in Arizona. A lifelong astronomy enthusiast, he began his journey at age 11 building and aligning telescopes for the family business. With a background in business, marketing, and web development, he returned to Starizona full-time in 2017, contributing to both the creative and technical sides of the company. He now leads Starizona’s operations and product development efforts, working closely with the team on innovative optical solutions for amateur and professional astronomers alike.
Presentation Topic
Starizona Optics: The Why, When, and How to Use Them
Join us for a look behind the scenes at some of Starizona’s most well-known optical innovations, including the HyperStar, Night Owl, ApexED, and Nexus. We’ll explore what these products do, why they matter, and how to get the most out of them—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming next in Starizona’s lineup.
Are you serious about Light Pollution?
We'd like your help!
Florida is one of the worst states in the nation for light pollution. Why?
Well the obvious is the number of large cities and population. But the issue is more than that. Read below.
To support the cause of darker skies in your city or neighborhood, we've compiled a list of sample letters you can write to your local official. Click here for the samples.
Impacts & Effects of Light Pollution - Compiled by Mike Jensen
Light pollution, the excessive or misdirected artificial light produced by urban
Astrophotography & Astronomy Planning Tools
Here are some planning tools our members use and recommend.We receive no compensation for our recommendations, but donations are kindly accepted!

Sky Conditions
Planning for light pollution and clouds is a constant job for the successful astronomer and astrophotographer. We use and recommend LightPollution.Info, Astrospheric and Clear Outside.

Star Maps
Online or connected star maps are an awesome way to plan your observing or shoot. We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple.

Telescopius
Online or connected star maps are an awesome way to plan your observing or shoot. We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. Click Here for Telescopius

Learn & Share Your Astrophotography
Our Astrophotography Special Interest Group (SIG) meets monthly, schedules monthly field trips, has an info/discussion email list. Our Astro SIG has a HUGE educational component, members teaching members. More Info on Astrophotography

Join Our Club
Our affordable family memberships (only $25) are a great way to learn, grow, meet new friends and stay involved in astronomy and astrophotography.

Monthly Meetings
We have a general meeting once a month at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium and on Zoom, and our Astrophotography group meets (on Zoom only) once a month as well.
Astronomy & Astrophotography Resources

Request A Private Star Party/Lecture/Workshop
We'd be happy to arrange for a private star party or lecture for your organization.

Astrophotography
Let's face it, learning Astrophotography is hard! Our Astro SIG (Special Interest Group) is one of the best ways to help you learn this all consuming hobby.

Telescope Help
As part of our community outreach program, we're happy to help you with problem telescopes.