THE LATEST S.A.S. 3-17-23 Stellarium Has an impressive looking sky chart but learning how to label deep sky objects is not obvious. Ancient City Astronomy Club - St. Augustine, Central Florida Astronomical Society, Seminole County, Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association - Pensacola, Local Group of Deep Space Observers - Sarasota Bradenton, Museum Astronomical Resource Society (a.k.a. The observatory will be the flat roof building with the red lights. Astronomy Club)sponsored by Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, Nature Coast Amateur Astronomers - Spring Hill/Brooksville, South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association, University of Central Florida Astronomy Society. It's a prediction of when Sarasota, FL, will have good weather for astronomical observing. Learn more on Meetings Page. THE LATEST S.A.S. SAC is one of the larger amateur astronomy clubs in the . 2-4-23 / Bayshore Live Oak We'd be happy to arrange for a private star party or lecture for your organization. . We receive no compensation for our recommendations, but donations are kindly accepted! Home to the Sarasota Audubon Society, located at 6893 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, if you are attending this event as a member of the public, parking will be available in the large lot just . Select a state to search for local clubs near you that feature meetings, viewing nights, star parties, and stargazing programs. Each room is individually decorated. Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Log in to Night Sky Network UsernamePassword Forgot your password? Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. There are 18 permanent planetariums in the state of FL that feature space and astronomy programs. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from September through May at the La Posada Recreation Center, 550 S. La Posada Circle, Green Valley, AZ, plus Zoom livestream. Contact a club beforehand for current activities. We receive no compensation for our recommendations, but donations are kindly accepted! We are an astronomy club representing Green Valley and Sahuarita, Arizona. Since the road dead ends - it literally goes nowhere - there are no street lights, and no other cars. SAC is one of the larger amateur astronomy clubs in the Phoenix area. The romanticInn at Cocoa Beach is large and lavish, with enough amenities to safely be called a beach "resort," the inn still somehow manages to feel intimate and homey. LOGIN CLUBS & EVENTS NIGHT SKY PLANNER OUTREACH RESOURCES ABOUT THE NETWORK Join the Network FAQ SAC meetings are free and visitors are always welcome. We are cautiously optimistic that early 2022 will see us being able to safely . WELCOME TO THE SONORA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE . It gets very dark - perfect for seeing stars - with waves splashed on the rocks. Click here to purchase - Ticket cost (includes both Pre-Show Reception & Show): $100/person Unfortunately, the need for manatee rehabilitation is great and we will have new short-term residents to care for soon. There will be a temporary vacancy in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while we perform scheduled routine maintenance. Formed in 1927 (42 years before Neil Armstrong took "one small step for mankind"), the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club is the oldest astronomy club in the southeastern United States. Sidewalk Astronomy for January 28th 2023 YOUR LAST CHANCE TO OBSERVE SATURN AT SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY UNTIL SEPTEMBER! Saunter through historic downtown Cocoa, full of quaint boutiques and outdoor cafs, stopping at CafMargaux. Some walks focus on healthy activities or hobbies, like nature photography, meditation, geocaching or physical fitness. Here are some planning tools our members use and recommend. The club continues to take measures to manage the dangers of the Covid pandemic by meeting both in person and on Zoom. The Sarasota Shell Club presents its 59th Annual Shell Show! At a glance, it shows when it will be cloudy or clear for the next few days. Walks often focus on a blooming wildflower, rare or endangered animals, different habitats or historical and cultural features. However, this year I will be flying and can't bring a telescope. East Valley Astronomy Club, Scottsdale, Arizona Eastern Michigan University Astronomy Club, Ypsilanti, Michigan El Paso Astronomy Club, Texas Erie County Mobile Observers ,Erie, PA Escambia Amateur Astronomers AssociationPensacola, Florida Eugene Astronomical Society, Oregon Evansville Astronomical Society, Indiana Everett Astronomical 1-20-23 The Space Coast turns out to be quite a romantic place. By VISIT FLORIDA staff Besides fishermen casting their lines, its populated by families and couples strolling hand-in-hand. The Santa Cruz Astronomy Club serves all communities in Santa Cruz County, California and neighboring areas. 11-18-22 Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Click Here for Telescopius. Come join us to see what's up there this Saturday night! The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the premier astronomy facility on Florida's west coast and our new state-of-the-art projection system and software is 1 times brighter than our previous system and has four times the contrast. Astronomy outreach brings the wonders of the universe to people everywhere. 5-19-23, Our observing team also sets up solar telescopes on the 1st Saturday of the month (from 9am - Noon) to look at the Sun, looking for solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena. Here are some planning tools our members use and recommend. Amateur astronomer's telescopes at the Chiefland Florida Star Party, Twin 16" Binocular Telescope at Chiefland Star Party, An amateur astronomer's large computer controlled dobsonian telescope at Chiefland Florida, An all wood telescope at Chiefland Star Party. Once over the bridge, youll pass artsy cafs, colorful restaurants, pelicans seemingly perched on every piling and, on the main street, balconies resembling those in New Orleans' French Quarter. (Ask Howard Anything)" at 1 p.m. A virtual story hour will also be available for kids at 3 p.m. Then Hochhalter will return for "Star Talk" at 4 p.m., where members of the astronomy club will share photographs of the moon, stars, galaxies and more of what you'll see in that night's sky. The Saguaro Astronomy Club (SAC) was formed in 1977 to promote fellowship and the exchange of information among its members amateur astronomers. 12-3-22 / Gilchrist Sarasota, FL 34243 Silent Sky is the remarkable true story of Henrietta Leavitt, a pioneering woman in astronomy working at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900's! This telescope, in its updated and restored state, resides in the Fox Observatory on the grounds of Broward County's Markham Park. Stop by and see what's up any Saturday night, we're looking forward to sharing the South Florida night sky with you. Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices, where participants use location coordinates to find caches. Registration is free. More Info on Astrophotography. The moon in its first quarter phase, Jupiter and its four moons and other objects should be viewable during the event . 12-3-22 / Gilchrist Join now to attend online or in-person events. Bringing along a bottle of red wine, crackers, cheese and red grapes, you can munch and sip as you chug along the Steinhatchee, which - with its limestone outcroppings and towering cypress trees - looks much more mysterious in the moonlight. The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the premier astronomy facility on Floridas west coast and our new state-of-the-art projection system and software is 1 times brighter than our previous system and has four times the contrast. BIG CYPRESS NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS The Rangers at Big Cypress present frequent dark sky programs. 5-6-23 / Bayshore Live Oak, Our Astrophotography Special Interest Group (SIG) meets monthly, schedules monthly field trips, has an info/discussion email list. Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Log in to Night Sky Network UsernamePassword Forgot your password? Downloading and use for any other purpose is not allowed. 2-17-23 Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. Looking for Support as a Budding Amateur? & U-of-A NEWSLETTERS & ACTIVITIES HERE, Learn the Night Sky: Download/Print Current Month Sky Chart HEREor The Full Year(different) HERE, Want a Stargazing App for Your Phone? Welcome! We meet the 1st Thursday of each month (7:00 P.M.) at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905-7811 and on Zoom (check newsletter for link). Astronomy clubs bringing the wonders of the universe to the public In partnership with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Log in to Night Sky Network UsernamePassword Forgot your password? Currently their membership consists of over 240 organizations across the United States. 5-19-23, Our observing team also sets up solar telescopes on the 1st Saturday of the month (from 9am - Noon) to look at the Sun, looking for solar flares, prominences and other solar phenomena. Is there another way to contact them? We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. 3-17-23 BRADENTON On Saturday, March 12, the Manatee-Sarasota Astronomy Club will be bringing their telescopes out for their next open Sidewalk Astronomy event, to take place in the north parking lot of Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Signing up is quick and easy - sosign up now! While the museum is closed due to the pandemic, staff are still providing opportunities for guests to learn and have a good time. The public sessions are free and held weather permitting. When you get to the 4-way stop, turn left, then take the first right, come to the end of the circle. Breakfast is served in the dining room, or in the brick courtyard, fountain-side. 11-5-22 / Bayshore Live Oak Another place to stop in isNokomisat the jetties - one of the Gulf coast's best, but lesser-known, places to surf. National Astronomy Day is celebrated twice a year in the United States, during the fall and spring seasons, but Hochhalter says that every clear night is a celebration for stargazers. SEAHAWK STAR PARTIES Typically the best time in Southwest Florida for star parties is from September - May but if we see an available weather window, we'll announce it here and on our email lists. We encourage all of our members to be active participants in club activities so all of us can benefit! Beta The Interactive Night Sky Map simulates the sky above Sarasota on a date of your choice. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers is an organization for astronomy enthusiasts in the Sarasota/Bradenton (Tampa Bay area) of Florida. Tripod & mount - no matter how lightweight your binoculars are, your arms will get tired. Click here for the 2023 Seahawk Star Party schedule. 29. Our affordable family memberships (only $25) are a great way to learn, grow, meet new friends and stay involved in astronomy and astrophotography. Use it to locate a planet, the Moon, or the Sun and track their movements across the sky. 10am5pm TuesdaySaturday | Noon5pm Sunday | Closed Monday. We cant see through clouds or rain. Kayak on the Steinhatchee River. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. 54 Posts 37 Topics Last post by Dave Smith in Celestron Nexstar 8SE 8 . Send problems or issues to webmaster, 2018 Thunderbird Park Spring Public Star Party. Find groups in to connect with people who share your interests. Copyright 2013 - 2022 All images, videos & content on this site are the property of the individual owners and displayed here with their permission. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. In Gainesville, the University of Florida's Astronomy Department offers free, public open houses on Friday nights in the observatory when school is in session (weather permitting). If you arrive after Sunset there will be nobody at the front entrance just come right on through. The Friday night dinner cruise costs $40 per person and departs around 7 p.m. from Cocoa Village. Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after it is dark enough to see the stars and continue as long as stargazers linger. Call 311or941-861-5000 Novice group meetings are held at various times throughout the year; announcements will appear in the SAC Newsletter. Our Astro SIG has a HUGE educational component, members teaching members. As usual, club members will be. not only has a great sky chart (in the Planetarium tab) but has a wealth of other astronomy information. New members can join the club for only $20.00. We do not charge an admission fee to the observatory. The map also shows the phases of the Moon, and all solar and lunar eclipses. Binocular "L" adapter - you will need an . We meet at the Moore Observatory (in Punta Gorda) every month as well as solar observing in the Port Charlotte area. The club continues to take measures to manage the dangers of the Covid pandemic by meeting both in person and on Zoom. The Bishop is pleased to announce that the manatees in our care have been successfully rehabilitated and returned to their natural environment. Come observe the skies with us! Other clubs in Central Florida include: Alachua Astronomy Club (Gainesville) Central Florida Astronomical Society (Seminole County) Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (Sarasota . 10-21-22 Our affordable family memberships (only $25) are a great way to learn, grow, meet new friends and stay involved in astronomy and astrophotography. Science Sprouts at The Bishop: Lettuce Eat, The Bishop Returns Three Manatees to the Wild, Manasota Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association Beautifies The Bishop, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Announces New CPO, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Announces New CEO. As part of our community outreach program, we're happy to help you with problem telescopes. Named after mile marker 63 on highway I75. This is also the planetarium's first time conducting virtual sessions, and while museum staff would have preferred a physical gathering, the virtual option will suffice. You have the opportunity to get some experience with telescopes before purchasing one. THIS ORGANIZATION RETAINS 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED. Essential Accessories. 11-18-22 Solar Observing In Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda. 12-16-22 4-21-23 In Sarasota, there are plenty of Florida stargazing opportunities nearby. Your hosts can drive you to "Road to Nowhere" (a.k.a. Phone: (941) 316-1999 Amenities: Basketball Birding Canoe/Kayak Launch Dog-Friendly (leash required) Fishing Pier Grills Pickleball Picnicking Playground Recreation Building Restroom Shelter / Pavilion Tennis Trail - Paved Bayonne Address: 8050 Springfield Drive Sarasota, FL 34231 Amenities: Birding Trail - Unpaved Wildlife Viewing The area is also home to theAstronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatoryin Cocoa. (Ask Howard Anything)" at 1 p.m. A virtual story hour will also be available for kids at 3 p.m. Then Hochhalter will return for "Star Talk" at 4 p.m., where members of the astronomy club will. Many times our experienced members partner with the Rangers to present these programs. If your equipment sells, please come back and modify your post title with "--SOLD". Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after it is dark enough to see the stars and continue as long as stargazers linger. In Sarasota, there are plenty of Florida stargazing opportunities nearby. Of course, common sense dictates that all observing is weather permitting. SAC members meet monthly for both general meetings and observing sessions, and regularly conduct and support public programs on astronomy. Under an agreement with the Broward County Board of County Commissioners the SFAAA operates the Fox Astronomical Observatory in Broward Countys Markham Park. 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236, Celebrate National Astronomy Day with The Bishop Museum, Darren Gambrell Makes Higher Education More Accessible and Inclusive, Palmer Ranch Holdings Announces New President, A New Sarasota Art Museum Exhibit Brings Together Two Brother Artists and Hundreds of Residents, A Fast-Paced, Fan-Favorite Special Speaker Event is Back. The Observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings from Sunset until Midnight. Enjoy a dinner of local specialties - fresh-caught mullet, fried, and the best hush puppies according to many- atRoy's Restaurant, which overlooks the Gulf. It has indicators and labels for Messier objects and a search capability for comets. Downloading and use for any other purpose is not allowed. 1-7-23 / Ponce deLeon The Southwest Florida Astronomical Society, Inc. is an approved and registered not for profit organization with the State of Florida. Open to the public, meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at the Science Center of Pinellas County. Maps, meetings, past events, resources, star party etiquette, and telescope loan program located in Cape Coral. 10-21-22 Please contact them for public viewing programs and hours. He hopes experts and amateurs alike step outside and take a closer look, whether they own a telescope or not. Or maybe you'd like to see the stars and planets up-close but you don't have a telescope. We use and recommend LightPollution.Info, Astrospheric and Clear Outside. To register and learn more, click here or call (941) 746-4131. There's a wine and cheese social around sunset every day. It includes two hours of cruising, entertainment and a casual buffet - typically southern- or Caribbean-style (and don't miss the special Indian River Queen Coffee - coffee withKahla, brandy, amaretto and Frangelico, topped with whipped cream and a splash of Grand Marnier). Nature walks even happen at night - to view the full moon or meteor shower events! County Road 361), which is a long, perfectly straight road. You might try connecting with these folks on facebook..St. Petersburg Astronomy Club, somewhat friendly. Click here for the 2023 Seahawk Star Party schedule. Walk to the tip of the south jetty, where you may startle great herons standing perfectly still, used to having the jetty to themselves at night. Come observe the skies with us! Our many goals include outreach & educating the public, as well as teaching the art and skill of observing and photographing the wonders of the night sky. 5-6-23 / Bayshore Live Oak, Our Astrophotography Special Interest Group (SIG) meets monthly, schedules monthly field trips, has an info/discussion email list. Just find a star party near you. Rates are pro-rated quarterly for new members and include the club newsletter. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers . Many times our experienced members partner with the Rangers to present these programs. February 25, 2023: Check out some heavenly bodies during Sidewalk Astronomy courtesy of the local group of Deep Sky Observers. There are several parking locations available in downtown Bradenton that are convenient to the Museum, including the County parking garage at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 10th Street West. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. First Quarter Moon 7:32 pm. Club: Telescope Rental or Loan.Sarasota, Fl (December 18 to Jan. 1, 2021) - posted in Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences: For the last few years (except 2020 due to COVID) I have driven from my home in the Toronto area to Sarasota for Christmas. NASA hosts a galaxy of citizen science programs that you can get involved in! This provides an in-depth experience for participants to learn the natural history or the human history of prehistoric Indians or settlers during a walk. SEAHAWK STAR PARTIES Typically the best time in Southwest Florida for star parties is from September - May but if we see an available weather window, we'll announce it here and on our email lists. Welcome to the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA). One of the oldest, the Deep-Sky group, observes and studies faint objects that lie outside the solar system. Observing sessions make getting help much easier if you cant find that faint fuzzy object, chances are there is someone nearby who can help you. The club was founded in 1983. We have subgroups within the club. We recommend Stellarium and Stellarium Web, as well as the Stellarium app on Google Play or Apple. It was built years ago as a landing strip for drug-running planes. NASA Night Sky Network astronomy clubs bring astronomy to the public by host star parties and other outreach events in their communities. Ever since, its members have been bringing the universe closer to all South Floridians. We meet the 1st Thursday of each month (7:00 P.M.) at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905-7811 and on Zoom (check newsletter for link). Don't skimp here, be prepared to spend at least $100 for a decent set up. Astronomy Clubs | 2023 Global List | GO ASTRONOMY There are over 600 amateur astronomy clubs in the U.S. It is also known for having some of the darkest skies in Florida. | Contact Us. Let's face it, learning Astrophotography is hard! The Planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing you to explore the universe through immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. Most walks are less than 2 miles in distance and are 1.5-2 hours in duration. Date: Thursday, March 16th, 2023, NOTE: will be CANCELED when Inclement Weather, Location: Canoa Preserve Park 3.2 miles south from Continental & Whitehouse Canyon/Medera Canyon Rd, on Camino De La Canoa (3500 S Camino De La Canoa), What is the ZOONIVERSE? In The Planetarium, you can lift off from Earth and fly beyond our solar system, out of our galaxy towards the very edge of the universe. 4-1-23 / Ponce deLeon Click Here for Telescopius. M.A.R.S. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Need some help? You just need good weather something Florida has plenty of. For your staying accommodations, stay at the elegantIsland Room, which overlooks a small beach. Ambersweet Observatory A private observatory near Umatilla Area 63 A public rest area used by the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association. You can use the school's telescopes to observe the moon, stars and planets. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Our Observatory Team opens up the Moore Observatory at FSW Charlotte Campus (26000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda) on the third Friday of each month. Several functions may not work. (click for directions). Each month a new exciting & educational topic! Please join us to explore, learn, and help teach astronomy to others eager to learn. You can check with the local Sarasota-Bradenton club LGDSO athttp://www.lgdso.com/index.html, try this URL to get to the site:http://www.lgdso.com/, DSLR, Mirrorless & General-Purpose Digital Camera DSO Imaging, Community Forum Software by IP.BoardLicensed to: Cloudy Nights. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from September through May at the La Posada Recreation Center, 550 S. La Posada Circle, Green Valley, AZ, plus Zoom livestream. Zoom Guests can use Contact Us page to request access. Come "Blast Off With the Bishop" atan interactive, day-long event hosted by the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature this Saturday, May 2. The Manatees Have Been Returned to the Wild. Cameras and/or binoculars are encouraged! The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society is happy to present a five-part lecture series that will help you become a star-hopping skymaster! Being a member of an astronomy club brings many benefits. Many planetariums also have a museum or science and technology center either onsite or nearby. For more information about the club, or if you. To place a geocache in a Sarasota County park or preserve, please fill outthis application and review the guidelines. It currently has about 100 members and normally holds two meetings each month. The public sessions are free and held weather permitting. Plan for sun protection (hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) and should have water with them. Let's face it, learning Astrophotography is hard! BIG CYPRESS NIGHT SKY PROGRAMS The Rangers at Big Cypress present frequent dark sky programs. Online or connected star maps are an awesome way to plan your observing or shoot. The pier, which juts 700 feet over the Gulf, can sometimes be busy at late hours of the night. It brings together people with similar interests in amateur astronomy. 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236Phone: (941) 487-1100. 3-4-23 / Gilchrist For more information, see Science & Technology Centers in FL. The Southwest Florida Astronomical Society, Inc. is an approved and registered not for profit organization with the State of Florida. The planetarium offers star shows on the weekends. Sarasota, FL 34236 . 2-4-23 / Bayshore Live Oak Details Date: December 14, 2021 Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Event Category: Nature & Discovery Event Tags: kids, night, science, stargazing Organizer The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Phone: 941-746-4131 Email: [email protected] View Organizer Website Venue The Bay Park 1055 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 + Google Map Related Events The Night Sky Network program is dedicated to helping astronomy clubs in t See more 231,284 people like this Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences, This is not recommended for shared computers, Back to Astronomy Clubs, Star Parties, Shows, & Conferences, First Light with the Orion xx16g with ASI678MC and 2x Barlow, Can't Focus Orange C14 with Starizona SCT Corrector LF, Unstacked panorama with foreground - exposure time. Monthly Observing Sessions Come observe the skies with us! If you arrive at the park before Sunset the toll taker at the front entrance will be able to direct you to the Fox Observatory inside the park. Club members are always invited to attend the programs. Planetarium manager Howard Hochhalter will discuss everything from the wonders of our galaxy to proper stargazing equipment and whatyou mightsee in Saturday night's sky. Take advantage of the resort's numerous recreational activities. Our emphasis is telescope observing, family participation, and public enjoyment of the wonders of the starry night. 1-20-23 They're great opportunities to learn more about the constellations of the night sky, and to use high-quality telescopes. We are an astronomy club representing Green Valley and Sahuarita, Arizona. More about this and other astronomy highlights 2023. . The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association was founded in 1965, with as its principal motivation to provide information and create an opportunity to participate. The Astronomical League is an umbrella organization of amateur astronomy clubs and societies. Sarasota Aero Club was founded by local instructors and pilots who saw the need for top quality instruction and rental aircraft, all at an affordable price. WELCOME TO THE SONORA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY WEBSITE. Your club will join a national coalition of amateur astronomy clubs bringing astronomy and the excitement of NASA missions to your communities. Sarasota County Rotary Club of Sarasota Sunrise Rotary International | District 6960 | DACdb Login For instance, in Venice, you can walk the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier. Our Astro SIG has a HUGE educational component, members teaching members. Nate and I saw Mars and the Orion Nebula, a fuzzy cluster of newly forming stars. All Rights Reserved. Each year I brought a telescope with me. For instance, in Venice, you can walk the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier. At the pier's tip, you can search the southern sky for Orion, the constellation marked by three stars in a diagonal that's supposed to represent the hunter's belt. 31. See the following link for membership rates. The mission of the Astronomical League is to promote the science of astronomy through encouraging public interest via local astronomy clubs.