Observing Highlights
Fall Creek Falls
4-29-11
Duane Arnold was the first to spot the 'star' in
the sky right before sunset. We were all anxiously awaiting
nightfall, when he dialed up this object in the eyepiece. At first, he thought it was Venus, forgetting that it was not visible at that time. After closer scrutiny, he noticed what appeared to be some sort of string attached to the top of the disc and that this string was moving in a circular motion. He asked that I come and look, but I was convinced it was some sort of floater in my eye or problem with his optics. I walked over to my own equipment, and saw the exact same thing. A moment later, the entire 'disk' exploded, and flames moved up the string. Within minutes, a small firework show as the remnants appeared to float downward. No one was able to get their cameras or video equipment set up in time to capture this moment, alas. The consensus was that this object was a weather balloon, which makes sense given the bad storms from last week. What an amazing beginning to a wonderful night under the stars. Thank you, Duane, for your enthusiasm. It was infectious.
Karma Gardner
www.skyvixen.com
APRIL/MAY
OBSERVING LISTS
An astronomy event for everyone!
9th Annual TSSP
Sponsored by:
Cumberland Astronomical Society
Dyer Observatory (Vanderbilt University)
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Astronomy in the Parks Society
Questions??? Please contact:
watkinslk@comcast.net or tnscoper@gmail.com
Click here for a listing of speakers and events.
Click here for a printable flyer.
Click here for more information.
Images from 2012 Tennessee Star Party:
Panorama - Saturday, April 21 -
Burgess Optical, StarLab Planetarium from Dyer Observatory, Middle TN
Space Society, Meeting room for lectures.
Panoramic view of the observing field at the 2011 Tennessee Star Party held at Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer, Tennessee.
Thanks to all those who brought telescopes and assisted with our public outreach between 7-10 PM each evening. We had several Boy
Scout troops in attendance, as well as other very interested campers. Friday evening's sky was lovely. Saturday
was mostly cloudy, but we still had several visitors on the field.
Jeff Burton, Peoria, IL Michael Matthews, CAS JR Rickman, Memphis Duane Arnold, AL Terry Alford and Bob Smith
David Witt, BAS John Walker Terry and Lloyd Watkins Bill Madewell, CAS Michael Matthews, CAS
Danny Wheeler Bill Wagner Butterscotch Visit Middle Tennessee Sheltie Rescue.
Ed Vance Observing field. Jason Norris Ed Vance/Duane Arnold Observing Field
Nathan Donahoe Observing Field Peter Alerich
On the observing field....
Preparing for the days lectures and a performance by Jonn Serrie. Burgess Optical was on site with some excellent deals on astronomical equipment, including a $59.00 O-III 2" filter and a $15.00 laser pointer. Score! Lectures by Paul Lewis, Terry Alford, and Rocky Alvey. Planetarium courtesy of Dyer Observatory.
Jonn's keyboards. Jim Tompkins, Lloyd and Cathy Watkins
Bill Burgess' table. The Planetarium. Visiting in the lobby. Tammy Burgess and Vincent.
Lloyd's 18" for sale. Star Party Attendees Jim, Cathy, Lloyd, Rocky. The meeting room.
Rocky Alvey Lloyd, Jonn, Margaret, Cathy Bill, Tammy and Vincent Burgess.