Lower Keys’ Clear Night Skies to Draw Astronomers to Winter Star Party

Amateur and professional astronomers can experience unparalleled viewing of southern constellations, comets and stars in the Lower Florida Keys during the 36th Annual Winter Star Party. 

The deep-sky spectacle is to take place Monday through Sunday, February 17-23, at two Scout camps around mile marker 34 U.S. Highway 1 on Scout Key. The Lower Keys’ southern location, paired with the region’s relative absence of large-scale artificial lighting at night, create conditions for exceptional viewing. 

Nearly 650 astronomy aficionados from around the world typically participate, attracted by the chance for warm weather viewing of the Southern Cross and other southern constellations in clear, steady night skies. The Florida Keys are among the only places in the contiguous United States where those celestial objects can be seen. 

In addition to nightly stargazing, Winter Star Party participants can attend lectures and presentations by nationally recognized astronomers and guest speakers including astrophotographers. 

Participants also can display their skills in photo contests, expand their knowledge in workshops, research and obtain equipment from on-site vendors, network with fellow astronomy aficionados, get updates on astro-imaging techniques and exchange information and advice relating to the field. 

The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere. 

The Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as to SCAS members, but advance registration is required for admission.