Astrofest 2025

October 17 – 23, 2025.

Welcome 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. If you are a regular visitor to our place, welcome back. 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.

On top of that, Chiefland Astronomy Village has the distinction of being virtually insect free. Nights in October are generally clear and cool, with temperatures at night of 55˚ – 65˚ F and 70˚ – 80˚ F during the day.

The Chiefland Astronomy Village is located near the west coast of Florida, one hour west of Gainesville and two hours northwest of Orlando. It enjoys moderate temperatures and plenty of comfort. 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.

Registration

To register for Astrofest, please go to https://chieflandastro.regfox.com/astrofest-2025.

We are also working on a T-shirt design and on hiring a company that provides food for the event. We will post more information about the T-shirts and food soon.

Schedule

Sunset is around 6:40 pm, astronomical dusk ends at 8 pm, and twilight starts at 6:30 am.

Friday, October 17, 2025: Arrival Day, arrive before sunset at 6:54

Registration from noon to 6 pm
Noon: The field opens early for RV arrivals
2:00 pm: The field opens for all arrivals
6:00 pm – Midnight: Food truck with late-night snacks

Saturday, October 18, 2025

10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Swap Meeting
3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, Keynote Presentation:
Dr. John Panek, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
“The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.”
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm, Presentation
6:00 pm – Midnight: Food truck with late night snacks

Sunday, October 19, 2025

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 20, 2025

3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
Dr. J. Andreas Howell, Alachua Astronomy Club
“From Pixels to Light Curves: Using Seestar to Observe Eclipsing Binaries.”
4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Second Swap Meeting

Thursday, October 23, 2025

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

Keynote Speaker

Dr. John Panek: Engineering and Science of NASA’s Roman Space Telescope

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Abstract: Dr. Panek will provide a look at our next flagship mission to survey the sky in infrared light and demonstrate technologies needed for future large coronagraphs.

About the Speaker: John Panek is a Senior Mission Systems Engineer at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center with 27-years of experience in aerospace engineering for a range of efforts from science instrument technology development, large mission concept architecture and design, payload preparation at the launch pad, and mission control operations after launch. He is currently Deputy Mission Systems Engineer for the Space Weather Next L1 Series, a joint NASA/NOAA project with observatories launching in 2029 and 2032.

Dr. J. Andreas Howell: From Pixels to Light Curves: Using Seestar to Observe Eclipsing Binaries

Alachua Astronomy Club

Abstract: Join us under Florida’s pristine dark skies for a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of variable star observation with the Seestar smart telescope. This session is designed for amateur astronomers eager to contribute meaningful scientific data using Seestar. It will also be valuable for anyone using a one-shot color camera for astroimaging.

We’ll begin by exploring how to choose the best variable stars to observe—considering brightness, variability type, and scientific significance. Next, we’ll dive into using the Seestar telescope, covering setup, imaging techniques, and best practices for capturing high-quality data.

Once the images are collected, we’ll walk through the data analysis process, demonstrating how to use PixInsight’s new VariableStarObserver tool to extract photometric measurements. Finally, we’ll explain how to obtain your personal observer initials and submit your findings to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), allowing you to contribute to real scientific research.

Whether you’re new to variable star observing or a seasoned astronomer looking to integrate smart telescope technology into your workflow, this presentation will help get you started to make meaningful contributions.

Bring your Seestar if you have one, and let’s turn photons into data under the Florida night sky!

About the Speaker: Dr. Andy Howell has spent a lifetime chasing the ever-changing light of the cosmos. From naked-eye stargazing to tinkering with the 8-inch reflector he built as a teenager, to commanding the mighty 60-inch at Mt. Wilson, Andy has always had his eyes on the stars. He holds degrees in Earth & Planetary Science from MIT and Caltech and earned a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech—because uncovering the secrets of the universe requires good engineering.

His career took him to the front lines of space defense, where he tracked orbits and safeguarded the skies for the U.S. Air Force’s Space Defense Center. But even with cutting-edge military technology at his fingertips, he never lost his love for the flickering beacons of variable stars. Now retired, Andy channels his passion into the digital age, wielding the tiny yet formidable Seestar smart telescope to collect scientifically valuable data for the American Association of Variable Star Observers.

Whether through massive observatories or palm-sized tech marvels, Andy Howell’s mission remains the same—deciphering the ever-shifting rhythms of the universe, one photon at a time.