Astrofest 2024
October 25 – 31, 2024
We welcome you all to the Chiefland Astrofest at 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, on-site facilities, and the 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 the day.
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration will open in May 2024.
Schedule
Sunset is around 6:40 pm, astronomical dusk ends at 8 pm, and twilight starts at 6:30 am.
Friday, October 25, 2024: Arrival Day, arrive before sunset at 6:40
- Registration from noon to 6 pm
- Noon: The field opens early for RV arrivals
- 2 pm: The field opens for all arrivals
Saturday, October 26, 2024
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Swap Meeting
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Presentation
Sunday, October 27, 2024
- 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, October 28, 2024
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
- 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
- 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
- Second swap meeting
Thursday, October 31, 2024
- 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.
Click here to read about Astrofest 2023 and see some of the pictures in our Gallery.
Speakers
We will update the list of speakers this summer.
VENDORS
If you are a vendor and interested in sponsoring Astrofest, please email us.
We thank the following sponsors for their contributions to Astrofest 2024:
Deepsky Observatories LLC