The Florida night sky is a source of fascination, inspiration, and enjoyment—a marvelous, immense playground open to all. Whether your aim is a casual appreciation of the heavens, or a serious study of astronomy, the place to begin looking up is your own backyard. The Florida Night will get you started on a rewarding journey of cosmic discovery, beginning with how the known universe is organized and where Florida fits into the picture. Every place on earth has its own singular view of the stars and Florida is no different. There's an enviable openness to the Florida landscape and flat horizon, allowing for a broader view of the sky in all directions. The warm, snowless winter nights with their long periods of darkness are ideal for stargazing, and Florida's position near the tropics offers a view of the four stars in the Southern Cross in the spring and early summer. The two coasts offer stunning views of the sun rising and setting in the water—watch for the Green Flash as the sun finally drops into the ocean on the Gulf coast. A starting point for those who want to learn the Florida night sky and enjoy its treasures, this book also serves as a helpful reference for serious amateur astronomers. Enjoy the activities in these pages and be inspired by the science and history underlying them. Discovery starts in your own backyard. Step outside, look up, and get acquainted with the Florida night. The rewards will surprise and delight you.