Since 1981, the Everglades Astronomical Society (EAS) has been serving our members and the public in all aspects of amateur astronomy. If you want to keep up with the space program, learn what's happening at the frontiers of astronomical research, or just appreciate the beauty of the night sky, we can help.

We are a group of amateur astronomers working together to improve astronomical knowledge and observational skills. We make ourselves and our instruments available to promote public interest in astronomy. EAS members are a varied group of colleagues who share a curiosity about the sky. Some members are scientists or engineers, while others are artists or craftspeople, building contractors or college students. Ability levels span the range from novice to expert.

Our monthly meetings are usually held at the Norris Center at the corner of 8th Street South and 8th Avenue South in Naples, Florida every second Tuesday of the month. See the calendar for the meeting schedule. Members can discuss equipment, observing techniques, recent observations and upcoming celestial events. Members and guest speakers also present lectures or demonstrations on astronomical topics. Members can also borrow telescopes for their own observing.

We also host observing sessions at a dark-sky site in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve just off of Route 75. Click here for directions and a map of the Fakahatchee observing site.Stop by and look through members' telescopes. If you're thinking of getting a telescope or binoculars, you can get advice from experienced stargazers. FAK viewing etiquette here.

Check out what's in the sky this month. We produce a monthly newsletter containing several articles of interest. Be sure to take a look at some of our members' photos and articles.

The club's events are listed on the calendar. We hope you will attend some of them.

President's Message, January 2012

Now that winter has finally arrived, the best viewing of the season is finally here! The best viewing is when the humidity is low right after a cold front - which happens about once every two weeks during our winters - but the skies are pretty good anytime. If you have not made it out there, now is the time.

I'd like to have quite a few people in this year's telescope making class; last year's substitute for Ebony Star Formica was not entirely successful and we need a large class so it is economical to purchase another type of substitute.

Clear Skies,

Mike Usher, President
(239) 643-6017