28° 19' 1.98" N
82° 7' 48.91" W

FARROUT OBSERVATORY

(FOO)

IT'S NOT A CLUB, EXACTLY

I live in Tampa, about 10 miles north of the airport. Not what you, or anyone else, would call a dark sky site. I can see the planets on a clear night, but sometimes not Polaris. There is a street light directly across the road from my drive way. Not much viewing opportunity at home.

So, what's the alternative? Go to a dark sky site.

I found a piece of property in Pasco County, just southeast of Dade City that is about an hours drive from my home and about two miles from any main highway and in the middle of hundreds of acres of farm land. The property has electric service, water well, and a septic tank. All the basic requirements. I bought it with the express purpose of using it as an observation area and as a camp ground.

I enjoy going there to observe and invite others that share my interests.

All I ask is a small contribution each time you come to help pay for the gas to run the mower, the electric bill, and the paper towels. If there are chili dogs being served you are welcome to them at no additional charge. I try to keep water and some soft drinks in the refrigerator, but they sometimes run out.

SCHEDULE FOR 2014

November 22 (Cancelled due to weather)
December 20
All events are subject to the weather. We can't see through the clouds

If you are intetested in coming to the observatory for any of these dates, and are not on the email list, please contact me via email at

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The image of NGC253 was taken at FOO by Kevin Dowden on October 25, 2014.

Besides being good looking, the astronomers at FOO are very resourceful at
solving problems such as when someone forgets to bring their counter weights.

The Leo Triplett (M66 group)

The image above was taken at FOO by Curt Walker on February 9, 2008.

PLANNING ON COMING TO AN OBSERVATION SESSION?

CLICK HERE FOR SOME RULES

Below is a light polution map courtesy of Cleardarksky.com showing the approximate area of the property:

(The Farrout observatory and activities that take place there are not sponsored or endorsed by the Museum of Science and Industry [MOSI] in Tampa, or by the the Museum Astronomical Resource Society [M.A.R.S.])