Stargazing at Hanna Park hosted by the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society [NEFAS]
Get ready to see stars, planets, the Moon, and interesting sky objects.
The general public is invited and most welcome!
Location: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Park entry fee is $5 per car. You must have paid and entered NO LATER THAN 5:30 PM when the gate entrance is closed for the evening. There will not be re-entry once you leave.
Find NEFAS in Parking Lot #8. Limit your use of vehicle headlights whenever possible during stargazing hours. Bring red lights if you have them.
There are restrooms, water fountain, but few lights. You may wish to bring a flashlight for the restrooms. Consider bug spray in case it is needed, but be mindful of any insecticide overspray that may reach telescope equipment and apply in another location.
All NEFAS volunteers bring their personal stargazing equipment and will instruct guests how to look at the sky objects safely without damage. Adults may need to assist children.
If you are considering purchasing a telescope this is an opportunity to examine several different types and sizes of telescope – ask lots of questions!
If you are having trouble with your own telescope, bring it along and one of our Telescope Doctors will take a look at it.
Sometimes cloudy conditions make it unfeasible to stargaze. NEFAS members WILL BE AVAILABLE regardless of inclement weather (Unless it snows!)
We hope to see you there!
Hello,
At what time the event will start?
Hello Mabel,
Hanna Park closes their gates a half hour before sunset. Sunset on the 13th is at 7:53pm so I would make sure you were inside the park by 7:00pm just to be sure. There will be NEFAS members there regardless of the weather as some folks show up with their telescopes to learn how to use them or have our members troubleshoot any issues they may be having.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!
Chuck Cummins
President NEFAS
Curious if the event manager is tracking the weather situation. Looks like we will be receiving a lot of rain that day. Very unfortunate if gets canceled.
Hi Cristobal,
I am sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner, We had a major software upgrade and I did not see your comment until now.
The short answer is, NEFAS members will be on hand at every Hanna Park event regardless of the weather as some folks show up anyway. We have had people bring their telescopes out in the rain for our members to troubleshoot or to instruct them in how to use them. The weather is always a crap shoot. Hopefully we will have clear skies the night of April 13th.
Chuck Cummins
President NEFAS
I am currently taking an Astronomy class at FSCJ. Will there be someone to sign off on my attendance?
Hi Suzanne, As we are quite good friends with both Professor Reynolds and Professor Downing we can check you off for attending. We are looking forward to seeing you there. Chuck Cummins President NEFAS