Stargazing in the Florida Keys

For those enthralled by January's solar eclipse and BBC2's Stargazing Live with Dara O'Briain and Professor Brian Cox, the clear skies of the Florida Keys offer a wonderful opportunity to see the southern heavens during a winter holiday.

The Winter Star Party, now in its 27th year, brings together upwards of 600 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world in the warm subtropics of the Keys to enjoy nightly observations in 360 degrees of clear, steady night skies. Attendees exchange information and advice on their hobby, meet and listen to distinguished guest speakers, and participate in photo contests and workshops.

The Winter Star Party is organised by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami and will take place during the full moon week of 28 February to 6 March 2011 on West Summerland Key in the Lower Keys.

For more information and to register, go to: scas.org

For more information on the Keys and to locate accommodation, go to: fla-keys.co.uk