The Villages Astronomy Club holds 4 regular meetings each month. In addition, we promote attendance at meetings of the Fruitland Park Astronomy Group.
Members at Our General Meeting Hear a Talk on Orbits and Space Travel
General Meetings: 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm
Laurel Manor Recreation Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Drive
At our general meetings, we discuss club news, conduct club business, and hear a featured speaker on a subject in astronomy or space exploration.
Executive Directors' Meetings: 1st Friday, 11am
Fishhawk Recreation Center, 2318 Buttonwood Run
The Executive Directors' Meetings are where we plan our future meetings and events, discuss details of recent events, and work out the logistics of our meetings and events. These meetings are open to all members.
Space Academy Attendees Hear a Talk on the Lives of Stars
Space Academy: 1st Monday, 6:30pm
Truman Recreation Center, Studebaker Room, 2705 Canal Street.
Educational meeting open to members and non-members. We discuss basic topics in astronomy, current research, and answer members' questions about space and astronomy. We also use this meeting to do more specialized presentations on occasion, on a particular subject of interest or a topical event.
Members Set Up for Observers' Workshop, Assisting New Users with Their Telescopes
Observers' Workshop: 1st Monday, Dusk
Truman Recreation Center Picnic Pavilion, 2705 Canal Street
Start time varies through the year according to sunset. Start time is usually about 30-45 minutes before sunset.
Learn to use a telescope or binoculars, or ask experienced astronomers about what to buy to suit your interest. About 1/3rd of our members own telescopes, and this is where we share tips and techniques on observing, what objects are good to observe in our area, accessories and add-ons that will make observing easier and safer, and similar subjects. When darkness falls, we observe the sky and those who wish can share views with public who come to take a look.
Member John Prudente Demonstrates His Dwarf II Smart Telescope
Electronically Assisted Astronomy Meeting: see calendar
Homestead Recreation Center, Astronomy Park, 6227 Meggison Road.
Join us as our smart telescope and smart controller users gather to share tips and techniques on this exciting new form of astronomy. Learn about available devices, how to adapt your existing telescope with a smart controller, or choose a full featured smart telescope package that will suit you.
Members Discuss EAA Devices at Homestead Astronomy Park
Members of the Fruitland Park Astronomy Group Set Up for an Evening of Observing
Fruitland Park Astronomy Group, 3rd Saturday, 5pm
Cales Memorial Field, 300 Shiloh Street, Fruitland Park, FL
The Fruitland Park Astronomy Group is a club affiliated with The Villages Astronomy Club. We support each others' events, and attend each others' meetings (where The Villages' rules allow.) The Fruitland Park Astronomy Group holds regular meetings and astronomy observing sessions at Cales Memorial Field in Fruitland Park, on Shiloh Road just north of the Fruitland Park water tower. (From The Villages, take highway 466A east to Rose Ave. Turn left. Turn right on Shiloh Street, Cales Field is the soccer field on the left before Highway 25.)
Gates open at 5pm, most observers arrive close to dusk. Attendee can bring telescopes, binoculars, and other instruments, or they can just come to look through others' instruments. Telescope may be set up right off your tailgate by backing into a parking space, setting up on the sidewalk. Power is available, bring an extension cord if you will be using it.
Skies are Bortle 5, darker skies can be found further back in the park on the grass, away from the street. Site is open until we're done.