About Attending an Observing Session at KPO

I’m Dave Hearn, your host!

1. Arrival Time

We always start right at nightfall. This time is variable, depending on the time of year. In October, starting time is around 7:00pm. By April we start at 9:00pm. In any case I will notify you of the final arrival time.

1. Getting There

The Observatory is located at 1850 Orangewood Ave, Saint Cloud, FL 34772.

• • You can find our facility by looking at the map in our About section here on Facebook.
  • Take exit 240 from the Florida Turnpike at Kissimmee Park Road. You will turn right at the light.
  • Follow the road down and around to the right, then you will come to an intersection (Cross Prairie). Turn Left.
  • Follow the road which will curve around to the left, until you get back to Kissimmee Park Road. Turn Right.
  • Kissimmee Park Road is a long, straight road, with one hard right-hand curve. Please be very careful on this curve; there have been many accidents. Also after dark, be VERY careful and watch for deer; we love our wild animals out here on the peninsula, and I’m sure you love the nice shiny front of your car too.
  • After the curve, continue about three miles, then Turn Right on Cherokee Road. At this point you will be very close to the lake (Big Lake Toho). There are a bunch of reflectors to warn you that you are about to drive into the lake.
  • Proceed (slowly) for about a half mile, and Turn Right on Orangewood Avenue. We are the first house on the right (a log cabin with a green roof); you will see the Observatory with its white dome, and I will have the red lights on outside the observatory.
  • I will meet you at the gate. We have animals on the property so do not open the gate yourself (more on that below).
  • Try to get there before dark if at all possible (see below). If you are driving in before dark, look for our Bald Eagles that like to perch on top of the tall poles.

2. Parking

• • After you pass through the main house gate, you will follow the grass driveway to the end, then you will pass through a wooden gate. Please be careful not to scratch your car on the posts. There is a lot of clearance to fit even larger trucks.
  • You will park next to the observatory field fence on the right side.

3. It’s a Farm

• • Please be aware that the Observatory is on a working farm, and we normally have horses, cows, and goats running around doing horsey, cowey and goatey things, including leaving presents laying around on the ground. Don’t worry; none of it sticks. Well, most of the time it doesn’t. Use your flashlight to light up the ground ahead of you as you walk.
  • If you are setting up a telescope, it is suggested to bring a carpet to set up under the scope so you can put your equipment on it.
  • Bring appropriate shoes or boots to allow you to walk around the property comfortably and safely. Do not wear flip flops or any open shoes.
  • The ground is somewhat unlevel in places around the Observatory so be careful as you are walking, particularly after dark.
  • There are fences with barbed wire on the property; please be careful and monitor your children.
  • If you are interested in seeing the animals (horses, goats, cows, chickens, cats, dog) let me know and I can show you the barn and its residents. This should be done before dark, so plan on arriving early.

4. It’s Dark Out Here

• • When there is no moon, it is very dark in the Observatory field, so please bring a flashlight. When your eyes are dark-adapted, it is easy to see the Milky Way in the very dark Southern Sky. The northern sky is a bit light-polluted by Kissimmee and Orlando. But the south sky is great; it is completely dark right down to the treeline.
  • Amateur astronomers generally use flashlights with red filters to preserve our night vision. If you bring a normal white flashlight, please only use it when you are away from the other observers and always point it to the ground. Never point a flashlight into someone’s eyes or face; this will cause them to lose their night vision for to up to 30 minutes and they will not be able to enjoy the stars while their eye pupils are opening back up.
  • In the warmer months, please make sure to bring mosquito repellant. This is Florida!
  • Bring a lounge chair in which you can relax on the Observatory deck and look at the stars.

5. Bathroom Facilities

• • KPO has a brand new bathroom on site for your comfort.

6. In the Observatory

• • Most of our time will be spent out on the Observing Deck, but we will enter the observatory for a tour of the KPO 12″ Richey-Chretien Astrograph, and in the Studio below with it’s theater, where we display live images from the RC scope.
  • When entering the observatory, please make use of the mats to clean off your shoes (it is a farm after all).
  • When going up to the observing platform, please watch your head and step; the ceiling is low on the right side at the top of the steps.
  • The observatory itself can accommodate about 5-7 people comfortably; there is a couch for lounging and enjoying the ambience.
  • No food or drink in the Observatory, please.

7. Going Home

• • Be careful exiting the Observatory field after dark, while passing though the two gates.
  • Please leave the main house gate open; I will close it after the last guest leaves.
  • Be very careful on Kissimmee Park Road, and especially going around the curve. As mentioned above, lots of animals are about after dark.
  • Tell everyone about the fun time you had at KPO. Like our Facebook page, write us a 5-star review, and come back soon!