Dark skies and epic Winter Star Party — why the Florida Keys are more than just a Spring Break destination

The Florida Keys is the nation's southernmost point and has some of the darkest skies on the U.S. East Coast .

At 24.5 degrees north, it's possible to see many stars and deep-sea objects usually only seen from the Southern Hemisphere .

The only winter star party in the United States takes place at Camp Jackson Sawyer and Camp Wesumkee scout camps in the Florida Keys during the February new moon.

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the massive Fort Jefferson , which was once used as a prison.

The Winter Star Party is split into two camps owned by the Scouts of America .

With its buildings badly damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 , the latter has an apocalyptic look.

Through a 16-inch Dob we saw Jupiter and its Great Red Spot , Venus as a crescent shortly before it set.

The Outpost is a floating houseboat restyled as a mobile eco-retreat by Mellow Adventures .

It's not fitted with any stargazing gear save for a pair of binoculars, but there are few better places to watch the night sky.

Flamingo Everglades National Park is a final destination for stargazers.