The Tennessee StarParty is a yearly tradition started by the Nashville astronomy club, BSAS (The Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society). The event was conceived as a way for all of those in the Tennessee area, with an interest in astronomy, to get together and share this passion. Participants include all ages and experience levels. Some may know very little about the night sky, while others may be professional astronomers doing research on the cutting edge of theoretical astrophysics. It would be difficult to find a better forum for starting down the road to astronomical knowledge than this weekend in October, when we listen to talks, look through dozens of telescopes, and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

What types of activities will be provided? Telescope viewing is one of our main attractions. In the daytime, we will observe Sun through specially filtered telescopes. We will watch for gigantic prominences on the limb of the Sun and examine complex magnetic storms known as sunspots. Amateur telescope makers will have several mirror grinding demonstrations in progress and will demonstrate techniques that produce the highest quality telescopes. Renowned astronomers will give presentations about those wonderful new discoveries that are broadening our comprehension of the universe. "Learning the night sky" classes will be held for those who are beginners. In this class you will learn about seasons, planets, the moon, galaxies and types of stars. After this session you will be able to locate and understand objects in the night sky. Those that choose to purchase the introductory telescope kit will assemble the telescope with the help of BSAS instructors, and use them in-field during our “Learning the Sky” night sessions. These telescopes are of the highest quality and have been provided by Burgess Optical at an incredible discount. These sessions are a way for you to acquire a high quality telescope at the lowest possible price, and learn how to use it, all in one weekend.

Night time telescope observing is paramount at our starparty. With nearly 200 acres of wide open, low horizon prime telescope viewing areas, we will observe heavenly objects till the cows come home! You are welcome to set your telescope up in the viewing field or if you don't have a telescope, just walk from scope to scope looking at whatever object of interest is in the field of view. The range in size and complexity of these telescopes will be remarkable. You will find ingenious handmade scopes of all sizes, the latest versions of high tech automatic telescopes, as well as robotic telescopes that can be programmed and controlled from anywhere on earth.

We are very excited about a special appearance by the ISS-AT Team. ISS-AT stands for the International Space Telescope Amateur Telescope, a project to put a telescope on the ISS that people like you and I can use. The team will be remotely operating their test "Alpha Telescope" FROM THE CAMP NAKANAWA FIELD. CCD images will be taken with Telescope Alpha, whose location is over 1,400 miles away.

The radio astronomers will set up their equipment and demonstrate how signals are captured. from objects such as Jupiter and the Sun. You will learn about Radio Jove, NASA’s project which provides radio telescope kits for students and amateurs.

If your interest is astrophotography, BSAS members will be demonstrating film techniques and CCD imaging with presentations showing how to process the images captured during our night sessions. You will also learn how any amateur can participate in science by doing photometry with a small telescope.

Astronomy equipment vendors will display their telescopes and accessories by the truckload. Starparties can be one of the best places to purchase astronomy equipment due to the event discounts.

Camp Nakanawa is a beautiful area near Crossville, Tennessee, with rustic camp facilities perfect for a memorable weekend. With its one thousand acres of forest, fields, and private lake, it is a complete and perfect camp site. The spring-fed lake covers approximately 150 acres. TNSP Participants will also have day activity options such as canoeing, tennis and hiking The cabins are unheated so you will need to bring appropriate bedding. Camping is also available in our telescope fields. Many tent campers choose an ideal viewing site with their telescopes and equipment setup right beside their camp.

Come join us in October. There will be something for everyone!

For more information see http://www.bsasnashville.com/