About Us
About the Fox Observatory
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.
In 1965 the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association Inc. was formed. In 1970 Dr. Fox joined and in June of 1973 he donated the Brandon refractor to the club. The refractor was to be housed in a yet-to-be-built observatory located west of Fort Lauderdale. By July of 1974 it had been tentatively decided to name the observatory for Dr. Fox. Initial plans for the grounds, building and roof were drawn up 7-13-74. The County okayed the final architectural drawings on November 10, 1975, and the building permit was issued on Thursday, November 13, the observatory was officially named for Dr. Fox a week later, on the 20th. on Sunday, March 20th, 1977 at 4:30 p.m. (one year behind schedule) the Fox Astronomical Observatory was dedicated.
You can read more about Dr. Fox, the history of the club, Fox Observatory and the Brandon Refractor here.
The Fox Observatory houses many great pieces of viewing equipment. In addition to the amazing Brandon Refractor, the primary observatory equipment consists of our 14 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F/10 and several Dobsonian reflecting telescopes.
Apart from the observatory’s scopes, many of our members have scopes of their own. On a good clear night it’s possible to have as many as 15 telescopes or more setup in various places around the observatory grounds.
The observatory is open to the public every Saturday night, rain or shine. We will open at dusk, and generally wrap things up around midnight, weather permitting.
Groups and individuals from the area or visiting South Florida are cordially invited to visit the Fox Observatory. Never hesitate to call and find out what’s going on each Saturday night at 954-384-0442.
About South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association aka SFAAA
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.
The SFAAA is a nonprofit organization, and has been incorporated in the State of Florida since 1966. The association presently makes its home just inside of Markham Park. at the Fox Observatory.
Anyone wishing to attend the association’s monthly meeting is welcome and encouraged to do so. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at Fox Observatory starting at 7:30pm.
Dues for new members are only $20.00. The easiest way to join is to sign up on line but anyone wishing to join the club can do so at one of the monthly meetings or during a visit to the observatory on Saturday nights.
As a paid Member your activities can include: learning to use a telescope, video and slide shows, star parties, astronomy day, CCD imaging, observatory operations and special projects. Observatory certified members may open and operate the observatory on days when the observatory is not open to the public. Members wishing to be certified to open and operate the observatory and its equipment should apply to the program director for observatory certification.