Chiefland Astronomy

We welcome all of you to one of the best observing sites in the country, the Billy Dodd Memorial Field in the Chiefland Astronomy Village. The spring picnic is traditionally a short star party over a new moon weekend in the spring, and this year it will take place from Friday to Sunday, May 3 – 5 with a picnic and a swap meeting on Saturday.

We will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, and condiments.  Please bring other food to share and beverages for yourself. Volunteers will be greatly appreciated!

If you have never attended a Chiefland Star Party, get ready for some of the finest observing and imaging. The Chiefland Astronomy Village’s great weather, dark skies, and friendly and knowledgeable Astronomy Village residents add to the unique Chiefland experience. We are open all year round for members.

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 provides an 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 an unblocked horizon.

On top of that, the Chiefland Astronomy Village has the distinction of being virtually insect-free. That’s right; a few mosquitoes may bother you in the summer season, but not much else during the rest of the year. Nights from October to May are generally clear and cool, with lows in the 50s and 60s and daytime highs typically in the 70s to 80s.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Spring Picnic on the Billy Dodd Observing Field.

To read about last year’s Spring Picnic and see some of the pictures, please look at our Gallery.