Astrofest 2023
November 10 – 17, 2023
The Chiefland Astrofest is back, and we welcome you all to one of the best observing sites in the country, the Billy Dodd Memorial Field in the Chiefland Astronomy Village. If you have never attended a Chiefland Star Party, get ready for some of the finest observing and imaging in the USA. The Chiefland Astronomy Village’s great weather, dark skies, the on-site facilities, and a line-up of great speakers all add to the unique Chiefland experience.
The Chiefland Astronomy Village is located on the west coast of Florida, one hour west of Gainesville and two hours northwest of Orlando. It enjoys moderate temperatures and plenty of comforts. The observing field boasts a beautiful array of amenities. First and foremost, it is dark. The private five-acre field features showers, a clubhouse, restrooms, a picnic area, electricity, and more. The ground is flat, providing easy setup of equipment, tents, and RVs. It also offers 360 degrees of unblocked horizon.
On top of that, Chiefland Astronomy Village has the distinction of being virtually insect free. Nights in November are generally clear and cool, with temperatures at night of 50 – 60 F and 70 – 80 F during that day.
Registration
Registration is closed.
Schedule
Sunset is around 5:30 pm, astronomical dusk ends at 7 pm, and twilight starts at 5:30 am.
Friday, November 10, 2023: Arrival Day, Arrive before sunset at 5:30
- Registration from noon to 6 pm
- Noon: The field opens early for RV arrivals
- 2 pm: The field opens for all arrivals
Saturday, November 11, 2023
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Swap Meeting
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Presentation
Prof. Amy Williams, Geological Sciences, University of Florida – NASA Rovers Curiosity and Perseverance Exploration of Mars
Sunday, November 12, 2023
- Raffle prizes will be set-up in the pavilion on Sunday afternoon. Prize viewing and ticket deposit into the prize bins will be available afterwards.
- Raffle of Donated Prizes 3:00
- Dinner of burgers, brats, potato salad provided 5:00 – 6:00.
Monday, November 13
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
Dr. Jerry Cheney – Planetary Nebula - 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
Ken Verderame – Night Vision Astronomy
Tuesday, November 14
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
Prof. Prof. Hal McAlister – Zooming in on the Stars from Mount Wilson with Astronomical Interferometry
Wednesday, November 15
- Second swap meeting
Thursday, November 16
- Enjoy some of the local activities, such as the Manatee Springs, Cedar Key, or the Butterfly House in Gainesville
Friday, November 17
- Departure by noon
- If you plan to stay longer, make sure you have signed the waiver and paid the donation to support the Billy Dodd Observing Field.
Speakers
Prof. Amy Williams, Geological Sciences, University of Florida – NASA Rovers Curiosity and Perseverance Exploration of Mars.
Dr. Jerry Cheney – Planetary Nebula.
Ken Verderame – Night Vision Astronomy.
Prof. Hal McAlister – Zooming in on the Stars from Mount Wilson with Astronomical Interferometry.
VENDORS
We thank the following sponsors for their contributions to Astrofest 2023:
Stellarvue Inc.
Tele Vue Inc.
Orange County Telescope.
Deepsky Observatories LLC
