28° 19' 1.98" N
82° 7' 48.91" W
FARROUT OBSERVATORY
(FOO)
IT'S NOT A CLUB, EXACTLY
I live in Tampa, about 10 miles north of the airport. Not what you, or anyone else, would call a dark sky site. I can see the planets on a clear night, but sometimes not Polaris. There is a street light directly across the road from my drive way. Not much viewing opportunity at home.
So, what's the alternative? Go to a dark sky site.
I found a piece of property in Pasco County, just southeast of Dade City that is about an hours drive from my home and about two miles from any main highway and in the middle of hundreds of acres of farm land. The property had a double wide on it, electric service, water well, and a septic tank. All the basic requirements. I bought it with the express purpose of using it as an observation area and as a camp ground.
I enjoy going there to observe and invite others that share my interests.
The Leo Triplett (M66 group)
The image above was taken at FOO by Curt Walker on February 9, 2008.
