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.

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

The club continues to take measures to manage the dangers of the Covid pandemic by meeting both in person and on Zoom. Monthly meeting status is in the newsletter.  Click here for the 2023 Seahawk Star Party schedule.

The Astronomy & Astrophotography Speaker Series

Each month a new exciting & educational topic!

Speakers Series Playback Now Available On YouTube.

October 7, 2023

Dr. David Coulter
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD.
Join us for this fun and insightful talk kilonovas and the merging of two neutron stars.
“Finding the Next Kilonova”
Nov. 2, 2023

Dr. Matthew Greenhouse
Project Scientist, JWST - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Dec. 2, 2023

Dr. Olivia Wilkins , NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Exploring the Invisible Chemical Universe with Radio Astronomy

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.

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