Helpful Astronomy Websites
Angie’s List-Astronomy At Home: This is a great page at the Angie’s List website that has a large list of resources for people just getting started with astronomy (thank you Jade and Kathleen for sending in this site to add to our resources page!)
Astronomy Resources for Kids : A site with many links to educational resources. Thank you Payton!
Auto-Generated Local Star Map: This site creates a star map that shows you how the sky will look at your exact location on the current date (today's date). A great resource for printing out a quick reference for your observing sessions.
NASA Space Place Website: A NASA based website with astronomy resources and information
Astronomy Basics: A good primer on the basics of astronomy (recommended by Quentin)
Sky Marvels: A general astronomy resource site
Astromart: A classifieds website for astronomy gear
Sky Maps: Free astronomy sky maps
Heavens Above: A website that lets you track objects orbiting above the Earth and predicts when those objects will be visible to observers on the ground in your location
How to Build Your Own Dew Heater: Instructions on how to make your own dew heater
Light Pollution: The website Wine Cellar Innovation has a great page that talks all about light pollution and its impacts on our health and on animals and the environment.
Backyard Astronomy: The website Household Quotes from the UK has an excellent resource page on how to get started in astronomy in your own backyard. (Thank you James for the link!)
Constellations Mythology: Molly Schwichtenberg from the website halloweencostumes.com wrote an article about constellation and planet mythology. So if you want to learn about how these objects got their names and what they mean this is a great resource. (Thank you Jeanette Werner for the link!)
https://stellafane.org/ : Springfield Telescope Makers website. Includes great information for beginners on telescope mirror making and Dobsonian scope making as well as helpful links.
http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html : Excellent advice from Ed Ting for those looking to get into astronomy and thinking of purchasing a telescope.
https://www.alansfactoryoutlet.com/44-closest-stars-and-how-they-compare-to-our-sun : Nice pictorial showing how the 44 nearest stars compare to the sun (Thank you Hannah and your Scout Troop for the link!)
https://businesscostsaver.co.uk/astronomy-guide/: Guide with multiple links to useful information for beginners looking for astronomy information.
https://www.heartlandamerica.com/telescope-observation/ : Very helpful site with tips for beginners and advice for choosing a telescope along with other astronomy links.
https://starlust.org/ : Interesting site with a wide range of space related information. Particularly useful is a summary of Messier object views thru various aperture scopes.
https://naplab.com/guides/astrophotography-guide/ : Nice information for beginners in astrophotography and other interesting astronomy links.
Resources
Below are a collection of resources (information and links to other sites) that find very useful in our pursuit of astronomy (and we think you will too)...
Star Party Etiquette
If you have never been to a star party before you probably have a lot of question. Well, we have some answers. Read our "Star Party Etiquette" guide so you know what to expect and how to get the most out of your star party experience!
Other Astronomy Club Websites
Brevard Astronomical Society (BAS): meets at Brevard Community College at the Cocoa, Fl. Campus. Monthly club meetings are the third Wednesday of every month, 2 monthly star parties (1 in the South & 1 in the North end of the Brevard County). Club has about 50 members. BAS operates the BCC Observatory every Friday and Saturday night. North Site is is shared with KSCAA.
Central Florida Astronomical Society: a non-profit organization with over 100 members dedicated to helping others learn and enjoy the fascinating hobby of astronomy. We have monthly meetings at the Seminole State University Planetarium in Sanford. We also try to hold monthly star parties at different locations throughout the central Florida area. We set up several Telescopes and Binoculars for everyone to use and enjoy. Learn first hand how to set up and operate a Telescope, read star charts, learn astrophotography and choosing what Scope might fit your needs best. We have a Boy Scout Counselor for astronomy and photography merit badges.
Treasure Coast Astronomical Society: has approximately 45 members drawing our membership from Hobe Sound to Vero Beach. We are a diverse group of people who share a common interest in looking at and enjoying the night sky and sharing our knowledge with the surrounding community. We have an organized star party once a month, on the Saturday closest to the new moon, and also have impromptu star parties. Check out calendar on our web page for dates and times of meetings and star parties and other things we are doing.
Tallahassee Astronomical Society
UF Astronomy and Astrophysics Society (Florida Stars)
Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches: a group of individuals dedicated to the pursuit of observational astronomy and to the education of the public on astronomy and related issues. Our monthly meetings include informative presentations given on a variety of topics related to astronomy. We conduct monthly observing sessions in both dark sky and urban locations. The knowledge and experience of our members covers the complete range from novice to scientist. While some of are just getting started in astronomy, others have been deeply involved in it all of their lives. We have no age restrictions, and our members come from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome to participate.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (NEFAS)
Chiefland Star Party Group: is a dedicated Astronomy community approximate 60 miles west northwest of Ocala. Holds monthly star parties. Has a large observing field with ac power connection. Camping is allow with $$$ donations. Very Dark Site
Southwest Florida Astronomical Society (SFAS)
South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association
Museum Astronomical Resource Society (MARS - Tampa): meets at Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Planitarium in Tampa, Fl. on Fowler Ave. Across from the University of South Florida Campus. Monthly club meetings are the Second Friday of every month. Public observation sessions are held regularly at MOSI. Check club web site and calendar for scheduled dates.
St. Petersburg Astronomy Club: has been meeting continuously since 1927. It was incorporated in 1979 as a nonprofit, tax deductible organization. Its 366+ members range from elementary school students to retirees. For almost 50 years SPAC has provided free educational programs for its members and the public.
The Villages Astronomy Club: is open to all The Villages residents and their guests having an interest in astronomy. Our monthly meetings focus on sharing our knowledge and learning about the latest theories and developments in astronomy. Our goal is to develop community programs and encourage member participation in an effort to enhance our members' and community's awareness of our solar system and universe.
Imperial Polk County Astronomical Society: a group of amateur astronomers in Central Florida, dedicated to informing and educating the public about the art and science of astronomy. Come join us at one of our monthly “Astronomy Nights,” located at one of several state and municipal parks here in Polk County.