Stargazing Spots Near The Chattanooga Area

 

 

At Fletcher Bright Realty, our real estate agents are always keen to introduce clients like you to everything Chattanooga has to offer. From the delectable dining scene to the strong economy to the Tennessee Aquarium, it truly has something for everyone.

 

But one aspect of Chattanooga homes for sale is special: You won't find it by looking in our bustling downtown or checking your spacious backyard. It's our night sky, and plenty of pro and amateur stargazers spend their time enjoying it every season of the year.

 

While summer is the high time for stargazing, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, every month you can find plenty of places all around Chattanooga perfect for appreciating the night sky. Whether you want backcountry camping far away from city lights or would prefer the view from a world-class telescope, your opportunity awaits.

 

Let's take a closer look at five outstanding opportunities for stargazers:

 

Situated on the grounds of Roane State Community College an hour and a half north of Chattanooga, Tamke-Allan Observatory hosts celestial observations twice a month on Saturdays. Events begin at 7:30 and typically end at 11, but can run later due to sky conditions. Hands-on classes are held on telescoping making and mirror grinding: These are open to students, hobbyists, and visitors of all experience levels.

 

The meeting place of the Barnard Astronomical Society, Clarence T. Jones Observatory is one of Chattanooga's top free attractions: It sits a mere 12 minutes from the city center! The Observatory has been a major landmark since 1936. It sits in a premier location just east of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Campus. Group tours are available, and many area stargazing clubs make it their home away from home.

 

Part of the 120,000 acres of Pickett State Forest, Pickett State Park, is one of less than 40 parks in the world that has been certified as a "dark sky park" by the International Dark Sky Association. Combining a remote location with strict lighting restrictions once the sun sets, Pickett is dark enough for the Milky Way to be clearly visible on an average night. It's approximately 2.5 hours north of Chattanooga, near the state line.

 

Land Between the Lakes is found just over the border with Kentucky (3.5 hours to the northwest of Chattanooga) and sprawls across 170,000 beautiful acres. There are many flat areas that provide ideal viewing conditions on a clear night. You'll find meetings of the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers taking place at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory and educational programs offered almost every day.

 

About an hour and a half north of Chattanooga, Obed River Park has the distinction of looking very much the same today as it did when the first European settlers explored its banks in the 1700s. The river has been known for its abundant fishing and hunting ever since. The rugged terrain offers plenty of chances for adventure. And, like Pickett above, Obed River Park is an official International Dark Sky Park.