A Perfect Morning for Our First Solar Viewing Event

The morning of August 22, 2026, provided perfect conditions for our first-ever Solar Viewing Event at Fort Clinch State Park. Mother Nature cooperated with slightly cooler temperatures and a refreshing onshore breeze from the Atlantic—an ideal setting for a morning of solar exploration.

This special event was offered exclusively to Friends of Fort Clinch members and their families, and we were thrilled to welcome 85 participants!

Thanks to the volunteers from the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS)—and, of course, our closest star—the morning turned into a fascinating and memorable experience for all ages.

A Close-Up Look at Our Sun

We experienced the Sun in a way most of us had never seen before!

NEFAS volunteers brought six specially equipped solar telescopes, using different filters that provided a variety of safe and remarkable views of the Sun. Rather than simply seeing the bright disk we normally observe from Earth, participants were able to explore details and activity that are invisible to the naked eye.

Throughout the morning, NEFAS astronomers helped visitors understand what they were seeing, answered questions, and shared fascinating facts about our nearest star.

Depending on the telescope and filter, we were able to observe features such as:

• Sunspots — cooler, darker regions on the Sun caused by intense magnetic activity.
• Solar prominences — spectacular loops and arches of glowing plasma extending outward from the Sun's surface.
• Active regions — areas where intense magnetic activity is concentrated.
• Surface texture and detail — giving visitors an entirely new perspective on the dynamic nature of the Sun.

It was especially rewarding to see families exploring together, with children and adults alike taking turns at the telescopes and learning from the NEFAS volunteers.

Thank You, NEFAS!

A special thank you goes to the volunteers from the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society for sharing their equipment, expertise, and enthusiasm with us. Their six solar telescopes and knowledgeable astronomers transformed a beautiful morning at Fort Clinch into an extraordinary educational experience.

And thank you to the 85 Friends of Fort Clinch members and family members who joined us for our inaugural event. We hope to make Solar Viewing an annual tradition and welcome even more of our members next year!

Not a Friends of Fort Clinch Member?

Consider joining us!

As Friends of Fort Clinch continues to grow, we're working to provide more special and exclusive experiences for our members and their families, while continuing our mission to preserve, protect, and restore the cultural and natural resources of Fort Clinch State Park.

Membership is a great way to support Fort Clinch, become more involved, and enjoy special opportunities like our Solar Viewing Event.

Explore the benefits of Friends of Fort Clinch membership and
join us today!

Our 2026 FORT Project was replacing the old flagpole in the parade field with a new pole and flag. The new flag is 15X25 feet with 35 stars. This is a representation of what may have been here in 1864. This video highlights Flag Raising Celebration Event at Fort Clinch on July 3, 2026. Enjoy!

MACS Crane and Rigging setting the flagpole from outside the Fort Clinch parade field. Amazing work guys! Thank you!!

Fort Clinch volunteer soldiers reenact chopping down the old wooden flagpole, with an axe, as it would have been done in 1863!

Bob and Ranger Lori accept the 2nd Place Award
for the float in the Shrimp Parade in the category of Non-Profit Organization!

Friends Organizing Restoration Together (F.O.R.T.) For our inaugural 2026 F.O.R.T. project, we are proud to announce plans to replace the aging 60-foot flagpole with a new 65-foot pole and a larger American flag. The flag will continue to fly prominently at the center of the parade field inside the fort, serving as a powerful and visible symbol for all who visit. To help bring this project to life, Friends of Fort Clinch will match funds raised, as needed, to ensure we reach our goal.Join us in making this inaugural 2026 F.O.R.T. project a lasting success.

Due to the overwhelming response to Astronomy Night, we have reached our maximum capacity for the fort.

Thank you for your tremendous interest and for the many contributions supporting this event.

We are planning a Solar Viewing event later this year in partnership with the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society. Please keep an eye out for announcements about this upcoming program.

The Florida Park Service – District 2 has recognized several outstanding community partners in Fernandina Beach for their exceptional support of Fort Clinch State Park. District leadership specifically will honor RYAM, Smurfit/WestRock, and Lignotech as exemplary community partners whose ongoing contributions make a meaningful impact on the park and its programs.

In addition, the newly completed accessible Fort Clinch Playground has been selected as the district’s Best Park Project.

The three community partners and the playground project will be formally recognized next month during a district ceremony. An Appreciation & Awards Luncheon will be held at O’Leno State Park.