The 2019 Winter Star Party “WSP” will again be held in the Florida Keys at Camp Weesumkee in 2019 from February 17 –23.
The event is hosted by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami and is unique in that it occurs mid-winter during the height of the Florida Keys tourist season. The warm weather, coupled with dark skies, and possibly the steadiest skies in North America attracts attendees from all over the frozen United States, Canada, and Europe giving the event an international flavor.
The event has been held during a new moon week each February since 1984 and now approximately 650 amateur astronomers travel to the warm subtropics of the Florida Keys. During the event attendees experience nightly observing in 360 degrees of clear steady night skies, exchange information and advice on the hobby, listen to distinguished guest speakers, shop for astronomical equipment from the finest vendors across the globe, participate in photo contests & workshops, go sightseeing in the “Conch Republic,” and record the awesome beauty sparkling in the southern night skies.
Registration for the event is $150. Camping is available at $85 per person. Fees for trailers, small campers or pop ups are $50 and fees for RV 15′ and larger are $130.