2012 Mid Florida Stargaze

Since before the dawn of the current millennium, the Mid Florida Stargaze has been the premier annual observing event of the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches. Each Stargaze has been held at a dark sky site offering spectacular views of deep sky objects. For the 2012 Stargaze, we will return to George DeBarros' "Milky Way Ranch" in Venus, Florida. The sky is exceptionally dark at Venus and provides wonderful views of a bright, easily visible Milky Way and remote galaxies. The 2012 Stargaze will take place over the new moon weekend of Friday, March 23rd to Sunday morning, March 25th. This will not be a public event, but is open almost entirely to ASPB members. If there is sufficient room after our members have registered, we may invite certain non-members who have attended this event in the past. The observing field will be located on the field adjoining the south side of George’s barn and will have electricity available. Vehicles and camping will be on the north side of George’s house. Since this is a private residence and not a camping facility, separate port-o-lets will be provided for men and women and there will be cold running water, but no showers. Attendees should bring their own food (or most of it) since the nearest restaurants are in Lake Placid, about 20 miles (a 30 to 40 minute drive) north of Venus.

Venus is located off Route 27 between Moorehaven and Lake Placid. Detailed directions will be provided to those who register. There isn’t much in Moorehaven, but there are a variety restaurants and stores in Lake Placid and Sebring, a bit further to the north. Several of us have made the trip to Lake Placid during past events, particularly to visit the very good local pancake house. This isolation provides us with dark skies and nice countryside for walking, bird watching and photography.

A registration form is included in Stars & Scopes and can also be printed from this Web page, or the ASPB files on our Yahoo group. The cost is $40 per person (no charge for children under age 18) for the weekend or any part thereof. Simply complete and sign the form and send it along with your check to our post office box or turn it in to our treasurer, Jim McClean, at one of our meetings. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Remember, we must have your form and payment by March 9th for you to attend. Please join us for what may well be one of your most memorable astronomical observing experiences ever.

Jay Albert

The Registration Form and Rules can be downloaded from here.