Cumberland Astronomical Society

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 
TENNESSEE SPRING STAR PARTY - May 10th - 12th                    RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE INN AT FALL CREEK FALLS SOON!!!!                   


                                                                    


An astronomy event for everyone!

9th Annual TSSP 

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Friday, May 10th - May 12th

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.



Images from TSSP 2011

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.