For over twenty years this wonderful 3.5 acre observing field has been used by observers and imagers who  like to share their love of the night sky with their close friends. The observing field was founded by Billy Dodd in 1986 and Billy ran it until 1998.  The facility is now run by Tom Clark and Joe Mize.  We enjoy no formal association, politics, or club dues; we are just a happy

group of astronomers who enjoy observing the night sky with close friends in a carefree, friendly, and peaceful environment.

    The facilities' best features are the mag 6.8 skies overhead, and the 100 electrical outlets all around the observing field for telescope power. Nine more 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 premier observing sites in the country and we welcome visitors. 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. You must read our Field Guidelines before your first visit! We also welcome those who wish to visit for an extended observing vacation. Our field is supported by your donations. Please see the Field Guidelines for details.

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. 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 we ask everyone to 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 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 and is my favorite. It usually seems to be very good at forecasting what our weather is going to be. However, when it forecasts 'partly cloudy' we usually seem to end up having a good night…

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 a 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. 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 16 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

Latitude 29˚ 24' 29.52" North,     Longitude 82˚ 51' 38.52" West      29˚ 24.492N, 82˚ 51.642W