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by Tom Massey
Drive six miles south of Chiefland, Florida on Route #19 and you don't see much at all. As a matter of fact even 1 mile out of town you don't see much. An occasional car or pine log truck might pass by but other than that there isn't much. Hidden in among the brush and pine tree forests however, a few miles off the beaten path, there is a difference. There is a hint of humanity out here and then you begin to see cleared land, perhaps three or four hundreds acres of grassy, flat land, A sign tells you that you are entering "Chiefland's Astronomy Village", an settlement of amateur astronomers, serious amateur astronomers. So serious in fact, they have plunked down their hard earned money and purchased plots of land (10 or more acres each) and had mobile homes built on site for permanent living quarters. All the comforts of home, including water, electricity and sanitary facilities are here. A few have adjacent roll off roof observatories within a short walk of their front doors.
The brain child of Billie Dodd, ten years ago, its first permanent amateur astronomer resident, the "Village" has evolved into a favorite place for dark sky observing. In 1999 the "Village" and one of its permanent residents, hosted the 'Winter Star Party". Tom and Jeannie Clark opened their own personal property so that hundreds of "guest" amateurs could enjoy their skies and observing fields for a week. Four RAC members (Mark Hettinger, Tom Massey, Matt Mc Cue and Don Urban) made the drive this year (just 1200 miles instead of the usual 1500 miles to the Keys) to join the party. Another RAC member, Tom Crowley, liked it so much, he purchased a spread and home and plans to retire there soon to pursue astronomy more seriously.
The difference in latitude between the Keys and Chiefland made a big difference in the air temperatures and when we arrived the temperature was a chilly 32 degrees F. The week warmed up a bit but the nights were still pretty cool. We met several WSP regulars and had the pleasure of camping next to Mike Harvey from Orlando who took delivery of his new 20" GOTO Dobsonian the first day we were there. Skies during the week were very dark but unfortunately for us, the weather could have been a bit better. At week's end it got better but we were just about to leave for home when it got its best. By day we observed the sun and as night fell, watched Jupiter and Venus get closer and closer.
Well known astrophotographer Jack Newton gave us a tour of his home built observatory which contains some really nice equipment and CCD cameras and computers for driving and processing purposes.
Chiefland's Astronomy Village is open for visitors at almost any time and all they ask is a small observing fee and "lights out" after dark, not a big problem. It was worth the trip and we would like to thank the Clark's and the rest of the residents of "Astronomy Village" for their hospitality. Clear skies.
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