The Chiefland Astronomy Village consists of 25 families, 18 private observatories, and maintains an excellent observing field for serious amateur astronomers. You are invited to join us at one of the finest observing and imaging sites in the eastern USA.  Every month from near last-quarter to a few days after new moon, the field is in use. While the

weekends bring out the most observers, we often have observers here for week-long observing sessions. Founded by Billy Dodd in 1985, the facility has been owned by Tom and Jeannie Clark since 1998. Joe Mize runs the field in our absence.  There is no formal association, politics, or club dues; just a happy group of astronomers who enjoy observing the night sky with friends in a carefree, friendly, peaceful, and mosquito free environment. Club expenses are covered by visitor's $5 per person per night donations. RV owners are asked to donate enough extra to cover their electric bills.

    The facilities' best features are the dark skies (measured 21.54) and excellent seeing. 100 electrical outlets surround the uncrowded observing field. Nine 30 amp outlets are available for RVs. We also have a huge shade

pavilion, a club house with flush toilets, a refrigerator and microwave for fixing those midnight snacks,  and a new building with three hot showers. Wi-fi covers the field so you can check your email while here. This is one of the best equipped observing sites in the country and we welcome visiting astronomers. Observers have plenty of room to set up their equipment and gear the way they like, without being crowded by other campers. Motels are close by in town for non-campers.

    Join our chat group to see when the next observing session will be and to let us know you are coming. Everyone must read our Field Guidelines before your first visit! We also welcome those who wish to visit for an extended observing vacation.

The modern day version of a newsletter is a chat group. Instead of reading monthly news, you can talk astronomy with your friends daily. Join our on-line chat group to learn the latest about observing at Chiefland. It only takes a few minutes and then you will be able to read and post about the group, observing sessions, telescopes, and equipment. Just click on the link above to get started. Please notice that everyone must use their real name and not a hidden identity. Thank you!

We would prefer to not have to post any rules. Just "be a good astronomer" should take care of it for most people. However, for the benefit of new people and guests, and for those who come from places where they do things differently, the following simple guidelines is what will be expected of you. By walking onto our observing field, you are attesting to the fact that you have read and agree to follow the guidelines.  For newcomers, there is an article on Observing Etiquette to help make your first trip to dark skies easier.

There are lots of places to get weather reports, and everyone has their favorite. This one seems to be quite reliable.  It shows a 10 day forccast, and shows moonrise and moonset.

Questions?  Join the Chiefland Observers Chat Group, and we will try to answer them right away. There is more information about the Chiefland Astronomy Village, and directions to the field on http://www.cav-sfo.com/Map.html.

Tom and Jeannie Clark's 24' dome has this 42" go-to Dobsonian inside it. It sits right on the western edge of our observing field. While it is a private observatory, we often invite visiting astronomers inside to join us for a little observing. If you would like to look through the 42", please ask ahead of time and we will fit you in.

The photo albums are a continual work in progress and new photos are added frequently. So far there are eight albums, and more to come. If you have an album or photo you would like added,  talk to Tom and I will be happy to add it. Just don't try to email me a hundred 10 MB photos. Call first so we can work out an easy way to get your work posted.

The Chiefland Astronomy Village is a wonderful place with a long history starting in 1986. Thousands of astronomers have visited here and spent many thousands of nights under our dark sky. Over the years 25 families have purchased land, built homes, and 18 of them have even built their own dream observatories. Most of the owners are happy to show you around. Just ask! Here are two articles and around 40 photographs to both show and tell all about Chiefland. Check them out for a better understanding of what Chiefland is all about, and to see how it evolved into the present.

and the Billy Dodd Memorial Observing Field