Tippy D'Auria
Founder of the Winter Star Party and Florida amateur astronomer.
Tippy D'Auria (1935–2018) was a Florida amateur astronomer and astrophotographer best known as the founder of the Winter Star Party, an annual event held in the Florida Keys and sponsored by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society. He was also an educator who taught Creative Photography and Darkroom Techniques at Miami-Dade College for five years.
- Born
- 1935
- Died
- 2018
- Founder of
- Winter Star Party
- Affiliations
- The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, Institute for Planetary Research Observatories (IPRO), Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.), Astronomical League
- Asteroid named after him
- 11378 Dauria (1998 SV60)
- Years as board of fellows member
- 14
- Years taught at miami dade college
- 5
Lore & Background
D'Auria founded the Winter Star Party, held annually in the Florida Keys and sponsored by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society. He was an active astronomer since 1980 and a member of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society, serving on its Board of Fellows for 14 years and as a Vice President for many years. He maintained affiliations with several organizations, including The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, the Institute for Planetary Research Observatories (IPRO), the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.), and the Astronomical League.
Reader's Guide
D'Auria's significance lies in his founding of the Winter Star Party, which has become a notable annual gathering for amateur astronomers. He also contributed to the hobby through his work as an astrophotographer, using both cold camera photography and video. His teaching of Creative Photography and Darkroom Techniques at Miami-Dade College for five years helped educate others in the field. The naming of asteroid 11378 Dauria (1998 SV60) in his honor recognizes his efforts to encourage both beginning and advanced sky-watchers. He was a frequent guest speaker at universities, high schools, astronomy clubs, star parties, civic groups, and state and national parks, further spreading interest in astronomy. His legacy is preserved through the continued Winter Star Party and the asteroid bearing his name.
Did You Know?
- D'Auria founded the Winter Star Party, held each year in the Florida Keys.
- Asteroid 11378 Dauria (1998 SV60) was named in his honor.
- He served as a Vice President of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tippy D'Auria?
Tippy D'Auria (1935–2018) was a Florida-based amateur astronomer and astrophotographer who became a central figure in the state's observing community. He is most widely recognized for creating the Winter Star Party, an annual gathering held in the Florida Keys under the sponsorship of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society.
What is the Winter Star Party and how did it start?
The Winter Star Party is a yearly amateur-astronomy event staged in the Florida Keys, and it traces its origins directly to D'Auria's vision of bringing stargazers together in a warm-climate setting. The Southern Cross Astronomical Society provides the organizational backing for the gathering, which has become a fixture on the Keys' astronomy calendar.
Did Tippy D'Auria have a role outside of stargazing?
Yes. He spent five years on the faculty at Miami-Dade College, where he taught Creative Photography and Darkroom Techniques, blending his hands-on imaging skills with formal coursework for students.
Is there an asteroid named after Tippy D'Auria?
There is. The minor planet 11378 Dauria, originally designated 1998 SV60, carries his surname as a permanent tribute in the asteroid registry.
Why is Tippy D'Auria considered important to the amateur-astronomy community?
His fourteen-year tenure on the board of fellows, combined with his long-standing ties to groups like the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers, IPRO, the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, and the Astronomical League, made him a connective thread across Florida's observing scene. By founding the Winter Star Party and mentoring through his photography teaching, he gave both new and experienced observers a recurring place to gather and learn.
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