Have a telescope or binoculars that you need some help or guidance with? The BAS typically holds a few telescope workshops during the year so we are joining up with this repair fair event sponsored by Outdoor Chattanooga. We will be there from 9AM-12PM and look forward to seeing you there!

Come on out and learn all about the Moon!

We will have the gear - you just bring your curiosity!

The BAS, Outdoor Chattanooga, and the UTC Geology Program, Clarence T. Jones Observatory and Astronomy Club would like to cordially invite you to join in with observers around the world for NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Night!

We will be kicking off at 7:00 pm Eastern for what promises to be a wonderful evening of viewing and talking about all things lunar. If you have never looked at the Moon through a telescope, prepare to have your mind *B *L *O *W *N !

We will be gathering in the large field between the Greenway Conference Center and the Outdoor Chattanooga Barn at the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway (Greenway Farm) in Hixson. Bring a picnic, a chair or blanket, and come browse the array of telescopes we will have aimed at the Moon. Of course, we might be persuaded to take a peek at other celestial objects such as the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, the Ring Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Saturn!

Please note that this event is dependent on the weather. We will post an update around 2:30 pm - please check back for the latest!

Scenic City Dark Sky Project “Lights Out Chattanooga” Event - Friday 11/6/26 (5-10 PM) at Greenway Farm Park

Light pollution is increasing almost exponentially around the world. Although Chattanooga has made positive changes over the past several decades, our National Park City remains significantly impacted by the harmful effects of over-lighting. Eighty percent of the world’s population lives under sky glow, including Chattanooga and surrounding cities, which not only reduces our own connection with nature, but it drastically affects wildlife and other living things. In addition, changing our approach to the way we use outdoor lighting can be safer while also providing cost savings.

The “Lights Out Chattanooga” event is presented by the Scenic City Dark Sky Project, which is an initial collaboration between the Barnard Astronomical Society (BAS), UTC Clarence T. Jones Observatory (CTJO), and Outdoor Chattanooga to promote darker skies within the Chattanooga community. This Chattanooga National Park City Seed event is a public gathering to provide Chattanoogans with an opportunity to experience the benefit of less light pollution within the city limits. Situated on 180-acres along the North Chickamauga Creek in Hixson, Greenway Farm is an immersion into nature. Which makes this park an excellent choice to hold an inaugural event highlighting the negative effect of over-lighting.

As visitors arrive, they will first be provided with the opportunity to learn about how lighting affects everything from bird migration, insects, wildlife, and of course humans. Along with the BAS and CTJO, community partners such as the Chattanooga Audubon Society, naturalists with the City of Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Ornithological Society will have hands-on demonstrations, fun activities, and information about the importance of everyday citizens taking small, positive actions towards darker skies by using responsible lighting.

Once the sun sets at 5:42 PM, new visitors will arrive at Greenway Farm without its traditional lighting. Instead, guests will be greeted by lots of red lights, which will allow visitors to safely navigate the park without losing their “night vision”. Small hand-held red lights will also be provided to each visitor as they enter the park.

Twilight ends and official nighttime begins at 7:09 PM that evening, so all remaining non-red lights within the park and information/activities area will be turned off. Participating residents and businesses within the surrounding area will also turn off all unnecessary exterior lighting so the public can witness the impact of those darker skies that further connect us with nature.

At this point in the evening, the event will transition into a star party! Volunteers with the BAS and CTJO will have a variety of different types of telescopes set up for the public to view celestial objects in the night sky under relatively darker conditions.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The Scenic City Dark Sky Project is dedicated to reclaiming the natural heritage of our night sky. We advocate for reducing light pollution through safe, responsible outdoor lighting to protect our local ecosystem, enhance our community’s well-being, and ensure that the wonders and curiosities of the universe remain visible to every dreamer within the Scenic City.

 For more information on supporting dark skies and our Lights Out Chattanooga event, please visit the BAS website (https://www.barnardastronomy.org/protecting-dark-skies and https://www.barnardastronomy.org/upcoming-events) and the National Park City Seeds page dedicated to this event (https://www.npcseeds.org/seeds/169e6bdf-1753-4c8c-9e4a-3c90ee7e9d35).

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Lights Out Chattanooga” Schedule of Events:

 5:00 PM            Guest arrival at Greenway Farm

5:42 PM             Sunset

7:09 PM             Official nighttime and star party begins

10:00 PM          Star party and event ends

 Please Note: To ensure visitors will enjoy an evening under darker skies while maintaining “night vision”, guests that may desire to leave early are highly encouraged to park in the alternate lot across from the dog park.