Bill Baggs Stargazing & Astro Photography

Telescopes and astrophotography equipment turn the night sky into an open-air classroom during an evening stargazing program at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne. Stargazing & Astro Photography takes place Wednesday, March 18, offering visitors a chance to observe celestial objects and learn about astronomy in a coastal park setting.

The program features guest astronomers Carlos Garcia and Russell Harcha from the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, who will guide participants through viewing and photographing the night sky. Using a range of telescopes, including tracking and smart telescope systems, the astronomers will demonstrate how deep-space objects such as galaxies, nebulae and star clusters can be observed and captured through astrophotography.

Garcia has spent nearly a decade exploring amateur astronomy and astrophotography, while Harcha, a longtime member of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, taught physics in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for more than three decades and built his own Dobsonian-style telescope.

Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair, a reusable cup and curiosity about the night sky. Light refreshments will be available as participants gather near Pavilion D-18 by the seawall. Tickets are required for all attendees. Admission is free for Friends of Cape Florida members, while non-members are asked to make a suggested $15 donation. Park entry fees apply.