The Observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings from Sunset until Midnight!

Welcome to the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA). Under an agreement with the Broward County Board of County Commissioners the SFAAA operates the Fox Astronomical Observatory in Broward County’s Markham Park. The Observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings from Sunset until Midnight. We hope you’ll like our new look, our new West side cement patio for public and member personal telescope setup, our remodeled meeting room, our larger higher resolution computer displays, our voice command building automation and information system, and our fully remodeled restrooms. Observing is weather permitting. 

Stop by and see what's up any Saturday night, we're looking forward to sharing the South Florida night sky with you.  We'll generally open the observatory around dusk and typically wind things down by midnight.   If you arrive at the park before Sunset the toll taker at the front entrance will be able to direct you to the Fox Observatory inside the park.   If you arrive after Sunset there will be nobody at the front entrance – just come right on through.  When you get to the 4-way stop, turn left, then take the first right, come to the end of the circle.  The observatory will be the flat roof building with the red lights. 

If you arrive before Sunset the park charges an entrance fee of $1.50 per person.  We do not charge an admission fee to the observatory.  However, please be aware that we are a non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from the County.   While the building is owned by the county, all the equipment in it is owned by the club, and the costs for maintaining it as well as the cost for power, phone and even this web site are wholly borne by the SFAAA.  Donations are not only welcomed, they are in fact critical to our continued ability to operate and maintain the observatory.  If you've enjoyed your visit please consider a small donation to help us keep the scopes turned up and the lights turned down.

Lastly, please bear in mind that there can be no standardized agenda for observing as the objects we are able to see continually change over time as the night sky unfolds above us.  Come join us to see what's up there this Saturday night!  Of course, common sense dictates that all observing is weather permitting.  We can’t see through clouds or rain.  

The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association was founded in 1965, with as its principal motivation to provide information and create an opportunity to participate. Ever since, its members have been bringing the universe closer to all South Floridians. From the innocent wonder of the children to the amazement of the adults, every night is another great adventure.

In the late 1960s Dr. Joseph Dennison Fox completed his tenure as Professor of Astronomy and History at the University of Puerto Rico.  He and his wife Sylvia then retired to North Miami near Miami Gardens Drive and US-1.  He brought with him an optical tube assembly for a 6-inch f/15 refractor.  This telescope, in its updated and restored state, resides in the Fox Observatory on the grounds of Broward County's Markham Park. (click for directions)

Wether you are a newcomer to the hobby or a long time observing veteran, our range of events, programs, member interests, and observing aids can be at your disposal. We encourage all of our members to be active participants in club activities so all of us can benefit!

New members can join the club for only $20.00.  Signing up is quick and easy - so sign up now!

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