Today we’d like to introduce you to M Kane.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (SFAAA) is a 501c nonprofit organization that exists to promote education in Science ( Astonomy, Astrophysics, Chemistry, and Geology) and serves as a community platform for astronomers in South Florida.
SFAAA is made up of members that share an enjoyment and curiosity for all things related to astronomy. From Photography, observing, and experimentation, we have members of all skill levels. Those who are just getting started in field to those who have watching the skies for decades. Everyone is welcome. Novices to experts.
SFAAA provides free services to the public. Fox observatory is open on Saturdays starting at sunset for anyone who wishes to come use our telescopes to observe the skies. SFAAA has a small room for science exhibits and frequently has NASA movies playing for the public or members doping hands on experiments for anyone interested.
Fox observatory is located in Markham park and is 100% free. No park admission after dark, and SFAAA charges no fees for visiting us on Saturdays.
SFAAA is also engaged in public outreach. We are usually involved with other libraries, parks, and organizations providing opportunities to use our portable scopes and answer questions for the public.
SFAAA has been here since the 70s. And we continue our mission to provide a method for the curious to observe the cosmos.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
SFAAA and broward county, especially the parks department, have had a very successful partnership for decades. SFAAA provides a free service for the public and Broward county has been very receptive to SFAAA continuing that mission.
Being a non-profit, we rely on memberships and donations to fund our activities. Member drives and maintaining incoming funds is always an issue for any non-profit. We only exist through the generous contributions of the public.
All of the SFAAA staff at Fox or at outreach events are volunteers who donate their time and experience for the benefit of the public.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
SFAAA has many important members that help keep the club alive.
President, treasurer, program director, Observatory director, secretary, director at large, and the trustees. All our members are volunteers and we could not exist without the generosity and the time donated to cub activites from those leasing the SFAAA to the members who donate time for the public.
SFAAA has members that have no formal training in Astronomy to those who have doctorates in fields related to astronomy. Members bring all sorts of skills to the table. IT, networking, engineering, construction, marketing, social networking…. all skills are welcome and help the effort.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
SFAAA wants to continue bringing these free services to the public. In the future, SFAAA would like to see a larger effort to bring Science and astronomy services to Broward.
An Astronomical museum and planetarium would be the ultimate goal with enough funding and county support.
SFAAA and Markham park could host the only museum dedicated to astronomy in South Florida.
Pricing:
- Saturdays are Free for the public.
- Donations are welcome.
- Memberships start at $20 per year
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sfaaa.com
