Our Astronomy Club is open to all ages and experience levels!
If you enjoy astronomy, then the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club is for you! We invite you to attend one of our meetings and experience it first hand.
Just some of the benefits…
- Learning & Interaction with Fellow Members
- Monthly Newsletter
- Monthly Meetings
- Meetings are typically held on the first Friday of most months at the Bays Mountain Nature Center and are free to attend.
- StarFest – Our Annual Astronomical Convention / Star Gathering Event
- Every Fall, our club hosts this regional gathering of amateur astronomers from around the Southeastern United States. It’s an enjoyable, long weekend of talks, observing, food, and fun. Please see the “StarFest” tab for all the details.
- Astronomical League
- Full BMAC membership includes membership to the national organization of the Astronomical League. This opens many more benefits and observing programs as well as a quarterly journal. Visit their site for all the details.
- BMAC Youtube!
- The BMAC has a Youtube channel. Click here to see what’s on!
- BMAC Astronomy Knowledge Compendium Test!
- The BMAC invites you to learn more about the basics of astronomy. The following link is a take-home, open-book test. There is no time limit on taking the test. Once you complete it, you will have a better understanding of astronomy and can enjoy more of our monthly meetings. BMAC members who complete it can turn it in to the planetarium director for grading. If you receive a 90% or better, you will receive your choice of a BMAC collectible. If you receive less than 90%, you are given the opportunity to correct your answers.
- Take the test!
- Join our BMAC Yahoo! Group
- Current members of the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club can communicate with one another via a Yahoo! group called BMASTRO. If you are interested in becoming a part of this e-mail list, the instructions are listed below.
- Visit http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/bmastro/. This is the webpage for the group.
- In order to post messages and receive message digests, you must have or create a Yahoo! user ID.
- Once you create and sign-in with you Yahoo! ID, you can then request to become a member of the group. You should be added within a week.
- From the group page, select Edit Membership near the top. This is where you can edit how you would like to be notified of messages and how often.
Join the Club
So you want to learn about astronomy? Participating in the Bays Mountain Astonomy Club is a great way to enjoy astronomy and to meet others with similar interests. We recommend that you come to a meeting or two and see what we do, meet some of our members, and check out our latest newsletter. If you decide that you would like to be part of our organization, joining the club is easy. All you need to do is come to the next meeting, pay your dues, and you’re in. It’s really that easy!
See the “About the Astronomy Club” tab for membership benefits.
Yearly Membership Dues
Regular Members: $16 / year
Addtional Family Members: $6 / year / each
Bays Mountain Park Association Members receive a 50% discount!
Meetings & Events
The Bays Mountain Astronomy Club holds monthly meetings at Bays Mountain Park. Meetings are normally held inside the Discovery Theater on the first Friday of most months at 7 p.m. and are free to attend.
All are welcome to attend the club meetings. Each meeting is unique and will include an interesting keynote speaker that presents a topic of astronomical interest. All of these programs should be of great interest to the general public and are lots of fun. We hope to see you at a future meeting!
Upcoming Meeting Schedule – Be advised that BMAC meetings will be online and for BMAC members until further notice.
August 7, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Topic – Part 2 of “ Member Observatories” Building , Maintaining & Things learned.
September 4, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Topic – TBA
October 2, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Topic – TBA
November 6, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
December 4, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
January ?, 2021 at ? p.m. – if severe snow, then the dinner will be a week later
Location – BMACers will be notified with the details for this club member’s event.
Topic – Members Only Event: Annual BMAC club member’s dinner.
February 5, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
March 5, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
April 2, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
May 7, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
June 4, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
July ??, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Location – BMACers will be notified with the details for this club member’s event.
Topic – Members Only Event: Annual club picnic. Location, date and time TBD to current BMAC members.
August 6, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
September 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
October 1, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Location – BMP Observatories (notice the earlier start time)
Topic – Observatory Cleaning & Observing. Please remember to bring cleaning supplies like rags, shop-vac, broom, elbow grease, et al. to help. And, remember, it starts at 6 p.m.
November 5, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
December 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
Newsletters
There are two formats for the newsletter:
iBooks Format. This is for iPads, Macs, and iPhones (iOS 8.4 or later) that have the iBooks App. The benefit is that it is dynamic, animated and interactive. Some editions include extras like movies, audio, and even 3-D models that you can twirl about. You can even highlight text and add notes, both of which can then be accessed through “My Notes” for later study with your very own study cards.
PDF Format. This is a PDF version of the iBook file. It is dynamic in layout, but is in a universal form for any reader that can open a PDF document.
iBooks Format
2020 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2019 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2017 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2016 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
PDF Format
2020 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2019 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Opportunities & Rules
Opportunities & Rules
How would you like to learn how to run one of our telescopes in one of our observatories? If so, that’s great! You need to be a BMAC member in good standing (see rules below) and qualified to do so. In order to run any of our equipment, you’ll need to learn on your own the basics of pointing and using a telescope. A great opportunity for that is during our public StarWatch night viewing programs. A fellow club member can show you the basics with a scope they are using. Over time, you’ll learn these basics. You’ll also learn how to help the public understand what they are seeing in the telescope. Then, you can contact the planetarium staff to set up a one-on-one training session during the daytime to learn the specifics of our observatories. Contact here.
Volunteerism
This is not the same as being a member of the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club. Anyone of any age can be a member of the club.
If you want to do more and provide help with public events such as StarWatch or Astronomy Day and engage with the public, use City equipment, or be the club chair, then this is considered volunteerism. We really appreciate your desire to help out! But, this will require you to fill out the volunteer form and visit with the Park’s volunteer coordinators for an orientation meeting. The form is simple and should only take a few minutes. Part of the form is a background check, but there is NO COST to you for this. Please bring the completed form to a club meeting, mail in, or bring to the Park in a sealed envelope. After the form is processed, the volunteer coordinators will then contact you to attend an orientation meeting. They will then contact the planetarium director about your status.
Please note, if you volunteer for only one thing per year, say give a presentation at a meeting or such, then you do not need to fill out the form.
If you are younger than 16, then you won’t be able to “volunteer,” but we still want to offer the opportunity for you to learn directly from one of our volunteers or staff on astronomy, how to use a telescope, and how to find celestial objects in the night sky. If this occurs during a StarWatch, you won’t be able to bring in your own equipment as we can’t exclude visitors from wanting to look through your instrument. But, you can be instructed and use the instrument the volunteer is using.
Rules
In order to enjoy the full benefits of being a member of the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club, like earning the opportunity to run a scope in one of our observatories or even help at a public event, one needs to understand that being a member is akin to volunteerism to Bays Mountain Park. As such, a member needs to be in good standing, of good character, and doesn’t abuse this privilege.
The Park is enforcing some long held basic, good behavior guidelines regarding volunteers. If a volunteer (that has successfully been accepted into the volunteer program) does not play well with others, then they will not be a part of this volunteer effort. Again, it is a privilege, not a right, to be a member of the club and volunteer.
Not to put a negative tone to this page, but it is important to establish guidelines that we can all work by. Here is a short list of unacceptable behaviors:
- Being rude and/or abusive to another member/public/staff person. This includes verbal, unspoken, online and physical methods. Abuse also includes micromanaging, passive/aggressive behavior, high type-A behavior, and more.
- Theft.
- Damage to equipment/property through gross negligence or on purpose.
- Shirking responsibilities.
- Being intoxicated, even by the smallest amount, by alcohol or drugs.
This is not an absolute list, but it should get the point across.
StarFest
StarFest is the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club’s annual astronomical convention / star gathering held each October. Situated in the heart of the Appalachians, it is three days and two nights of astronomical heaven!
During the day, our delegates enjoy many keynote speakers, planetarium programs, activities, solar viewing, and the splendor of autumnal colors. The night brings more speakers, activities, night viewing, and crisp, cool air. Attendance can only be attained by pre-registration with payment. Sorry, to be fair to our registered delegates, NO walk-ins nor “visits.” Your one, low cost includes everything: access to all speakers, all activities, five scrumptious meals, free access to the Park’s public programming, the opportunity to sleep/camp on Park grounds at no additional cost, AND a unique, commemorative T-shirt with custom artwork.
Initiated in 1984, the Bays Mountain StarFest is still one of the finest astronomy events in the nation.
If you would like to be added to the StarFest mailing list, please click here.
StarFest 2020 is scheduled for October 23-25, 2020.
Please Note: StarFest will be cancelled if it is not 100% safe to gather. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The following information is from StarFest 2019 for your reference.
“Exploring the Spectrum”
Greetings Everyone!
The 36th StarFest at Bays Mountain Park is soon upon us. Expect beautiful fall colors, cooler weather, and lots of astronomy fun for this astronomical convention / star party. The event is hosted by the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club (BMAC) and the staff of Bays Mountain Park. It is being held on October 18-20, 2019. It is run as a non-profit event, so registration is as low as possible.
The theme of this year’s event is “Exploring the Spectrum.” All of our speakers do astronomical research in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. We’ll be learning about radio, infrared, high energy like gamma and x-rays, and gravity waves (yes, gravity waves aren’t really on the EM spectrum, but they do have a wavelength).
This year includes four distinctive keynote speakers; five great meals; door prizes; the ever popular swap shop; solar viewing; night-time observing (both private on Fri. and with the public on Sat., so bring your favorite scope); and the exceptional planetarium will be open. We’ll also have a twilight soirée on Friday. And, new for 2019, the Saturday breakfast will be a full breakfast!
In addition to all the StarFest activities, there are public programs and activities available at the park, such as the wildlife exhibits, planetarium shows, barge rides, and plenty of trails to explore.
A unique facet of StarFest is a commemorative T-shirt with one-of-a-kind artwork that is included with each registration. Lindsey Conrad, from the Park’s exhibits staff, has created a special design to represent this year’s theme. I know you’ll be pleased with the art.
This three-day long gathering is filled with great activities, but also makes sure there’s quality free time for you to explore the Park and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow StarFesters. Attendance will be limited and registration must be received prior to the deadline, September 27, 2019. To be fair to our registered delegates, there are no walk-ins nor “visits.” Please complete the registration sheet for each person and mail, fax, or e-mail it in so we can see you in October. If you use a credit card, you can write it on the sheet or call me and I can process it for you.
Registration is $155 per person. Full-time students with ID and ≤21 years, subtract $20.
Adam Thanz – StarFest 2019 Chair
Keynote Speakers / Activities – in chronological order:
Friday Night:
Dr. Chuck Higgins – Professor – Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, Middle Tennessee State University
Title:
“The Radio Universe”
Abstract:
Radio astronomy is one way scientists can study the invisible Universe – using detectors to measure energy beyond the visible spectrum. I will explain why we study the Universe using radio waves, give a brief history of radio astronomy, compare optical and radio telescopes, and discuss the major discoveries made from radio telescopes, including how astronomers made an image of a black hole.
Radio sources generally emit their energy differently from optical sources, and I will outline some basic physics behind radio source emissions and relate it to planetary, stellar, galactic, and cosmological astronomy. Finally, I will introduce Radio JOVE, an easy way you can learn radio astronomy by building your own radio telescope.
Bio:
Chuck Higgins received his Ph.D. and M.S. in astronomy from the University of Florida where he studied radio emissions from the planet Jupiter. He received his B.S. in physics from the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Dr. Higgins teaches undergraduate lecture and lab courses in astronomy and physics, including general astronomy, general physics, astrophysics, and classical mechanics. His research interests are the radio emissions from Jupiter and the Sun, using both ground-based and spacecraft data in his studies. He is a founding member of a NASA-sponsored citizen science and education project called Radio JOVE that uses radio astronomy to promote scientific inquiry.
Dr. Higgins is the advisor of the MTSU Astronomy Club and he mentors undergraduate students with their research projects. Prior to joining MTSU, Dr. Higgins was a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. He is a frequent hiker in many of the great state parks in Tennessee.
Rental facility image – Pavilion at Lily Pad Cove
Friday Night:
Twilight Soirée
A big part of the StarFest experience is to be at and enjoy the Park. What better way than to have a relaxing time at the Park’s brand new Pavilion at Lily Pad Cove! We’ll enjoy twilight on the lake along with a tipple from local breweries. Three hand-crafted choices include ale, hard cider, and non-alcoholic root beer, all on tap!
Saturday Morning:
Dr. Erin Smith – Deputy Observatory Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, Goddard Space Flight Center
Erin Smith — ASD 660 Staff Photos (Astrophysics Science Division, Code 660/NASA/GSFC)
Title:
“The Infrared Universe: What Astronomers See, How We See it, and Why JWST Will Change it All”
Abstract:
Infrared light is light just redder than what our eyes can see, and in astronomy, infrared observations allow us to explore the cold clouds shrouding forming stars, to study the dusty outflows of evolved stars and examine the Super-Massive Black Holes at the centers of many galaxies. Infrared observations have also informed us about how planets, stars and galaxies form and evolve. This presentation will show why infrared astronomy is so fundamental to our understanding of the cosmos, and will look at the missions that have, are, and will fundamentally alter our understanding of the Universe, with special emphasis on the James Webb Space Telescope, a 6.5 meter infrared observatory being developed by NASA, which will push the boundaries of our understanding by providing an unprecedented view of the infrared sky.
Bio:
Erin Smith is a Deputy Observatory Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope at Goddard Space Flight Center. Her work centers in developing commissioning plans to measure on-orbit observatory performance. She is also the Deputy Chief Scientist for the Cosmic Origins Program Office. Prior to working at GSFC, she worked at NASA headquarters as a Program Scientist and Policy Analyst for the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate. From 2009 to 2014 she worked at NASA Ames as the SOFIA Science Instrument Development Manager, helping to integrate the first generation of science instruments onto NASA’s airborne infrared observatory.
Saturday Morning Planetarium Show:
Title:
“Cosmic Colors”
To celebrate this year’s theme, we are going to offer a planetarium show that focuses on the EM spectrum.
“Cosmic Colors” was produced by the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) and is great fun for the whole family. As described by GLPA, “Cosmic Colors” will take you on a wondrous journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Discover the many reasons for color—like why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Take a tour within a plant leaf and journey inside the human eye. Investigate x-rays by voyaging to a monstrous black hole and then back at your doctor’s office. You will even see the actual color of a dinosaur–based on recent evidence. Get ready for an amazing adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light!
Saturday Afternoon: Panel Discussion
This presentation will be a guided discussion with our keynote speakers. Its purpose is to give insight into the people behind the professional titles. It will be quite interesting to see how each responds to the questions posed.
Saturday Evening:
Dr. Tyson Littenberg – Research Astrophysicist, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama
Title:
“Tuning in to Einstein’s Universe”
Abstract:
Gravitational waves were predicted by Einstein in 1918 and remained an abstract mathematical curiosity for most of the ensuing century. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, technological advances invigorated efforts to directly detect gravitational waves, and exploit them as a new way to learn about the cosmos. The curtain finally lifted in 2015 with the spectacular discovery of colliding black holes by LIGO–the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory. Today, though still in the dawn of the age of gravitational wave astronomy, these new cosmic messengers are already answering long-held questions about the Universe, while simultaneously revealing new mysteries to explore. In perfect accord with the evolution of traditional electromagnetic astronomy, the next decades will see our access to the gravitational wave spectrum dramatically broaden as new observatories come on line in space and on the ground, revealing a heretofore unexplored sector of the Universe. This talk will give an overview of the physics of gravitational waves, reveal why they are an invaluable part of astronomy’s toolbox, survey the latest observations, and reveal what the near future has in store.
Bio:
Dr. Tyson Littenberg is a research astrophysicist at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He earned a B.S. in physics from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2003, and a Ph.D. from Montana State University in 2009, followed by post-doctoral research positions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Maryland, and Northwestern University. Dr. Littenberg conducts research in gravitational astrophysics and data science, specializing in the development of computational algorithms for the detection and characterization of gravitational waves. Dr. Littenberg leads research groups at NASA Marshall supporting the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and the ESA-led Laser Interferometer Space Antenna mission—a space-based gravitational wave observatory scheduled for launch in the 2030’s. As part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Dr. Littenberg was on the thousand-member team of researchers that made the ground-breaking discovery of gravitational waves in 2015 and, working with researchers from the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on NASA’s Fermi gamma-ray space telescope, the revolutionary joint observations of gravitational waves and gamma-rays from merging neutron stars in 2017.
Sunday Morning:
Dr. Stephen P. Reynolds – Professor of Physics, NC State University
Title:
“Exploring the Spectrum of the Remnants of Stellar Explosions”
Abstract:
Most stars die quietly, but a few go out with a bang: a supernova explosion. These events release in seconds an energy comparable to what the Sun will radiate in its entire 10-billion-year lifetime. The initial burst of light is so bright that supernovae can be seen across the Universe, and are used as cosmic yardsticks to gauge the Universe’s expansion. The shock wave produced by the explosion travels into interstellar space for thousands of years, gradually slowing down: a supernova remnant. Supernova remnants produce radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum: at first, mainly bright radio emission and X-rays, and later on, brighter optical and infrared emission. In the explosion, heavy elements are synthesized and ejected into the surrounding material; their radioactive decay can produce observable gamma rays. The shock wave also accelerates a small fraction of the particles it encounters to absurdly high energies: the cosmic rays, which fill the Galaxy and constantly rain down on the Earth. These cosmic rays produce radio, X-ray, and gamma ray emission. If the explosion was that of a massive star, a pulsar may be left behind, a rotating magnetized neutron star that can inflate a bubble of energetic particles and magnetic field inside the remnant: a “pulsar-wind nebula,” observable from radio waves to gamma rays. Supernova remnants show us the contents of the exploded star, but also light up the surrounding material, and produce many of the elements which go to make up new stars, planets, and people. To extract this information requires multiwavelength astronomy, with instruments on Earth and in space joining forces to give a complete picture of these violent events.
Bio:
Reynolds attended public schools in Seattle. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard in 1971, and MS and PhD degrees in physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1973 and 1980, respectively, where he specialized in theoretical astrophysics. During this time he also worked as a professional violinist, performing with the Oakland Symphony, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, and other Bay Area musical organizations. He did post-doctoral work in the University of Virginia Astronomy Department and at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. In 1985, he joined the Physics Department at North Carolina State University, where he was charged with founding a research group in astrophysics. That group, now numbering ten faculty, is known worldwide for expertise in high-energy astrophysics, with a particular focus on supernovae and their remnants. Reynolds was promoted to Associate Professor in 1990 and to Professor in 1995. He is an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor, and received the 2012 Board of Governors Teaching Award for NC State University. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Meals
What’s StarFest without great food? We think you’ll be excited about our menu. Please pay attention if you want the vegetarian option for any specific meal in case you don’t want the main dish.
Friday Dinner
Pulled Pork Barbeque – Vegetarian: Eggplant Parmesan
Jonathan’s Smokehouse Beans, Mustard Potato Salad, Rolls, Chocolate Brownies, Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea
Saturday Breakfast
Pratt’s Tennessee Breakfast with Egg, Cheese & Spinach Casserole – Vegetarian: Same as breakfast
Fresh Fruit, Bacon, Ham, Hash Browns, Grits, Biscuit, Gravy (no meat), Coffee, Milk, OJ
Saturday Lunch
Delicious deli sandwiches on freshly baked authentic New York sesame, whole wheat and plain bagels with Boars Head brand roast beef, turkey, or black forest ham. All with cheese, tomatoes and lettuce. – Vegetarian: vegetable cream cheese spread on a bagel, topped with thinly sliced cucumbers lettuce and tomato
Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Special Cupcakes from Little Cake Bakery, Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea
Saturday Dinner
Chicken Teriyaki – Vegetarian: Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
Tossed Spring Mix Salad with Asst. Dressings, Grilled Asparagus, Rolls, Banana Pudding, Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea, Coffee
Sunday Breakfast
Pratt’s Tennessee Breakfast – Vegetarian: Egg, Cheese & Spinach Casserole
Eggs, Fresh Fruit, Bacon, Ham, Hash Brown Casserole, Grits, Biscuit, Gravy (no meat), Coffee, Milk, OJ
Important Information:
Welcome
The fun starts in the Farmstead each day. That’s the large log structure at the top of the parking lots. But, we will be in other areas of the Park during the three-day event, so pay attention to the tentative schedule. Check-in will start at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and no earlier. (Notice the time change from past events!) You are welcome to visit the Park earlier on Friday and take advantage of the Park’s programming, trails, and gorgeous fall colors. For those setting up for the swap shop, there will be tables on the main level of the Farmstead. There is no additional fee for the swap shop, but let us know so we can reserve a table for you. You will be able to leave your content out for the full event as the Farmstead will be locked when we are not inside. But, access will NOT be available UNTIL 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Please park in the main lots and NOT in the small staff lot by the lower back door of the Nature Center.
T-shirt
Included with each registration is the unique T-shirt designed and made for this StarFest. The artist this year is Lindsey Conrad. This year’s shirt is charcoal with fabulous original art on the front. It really fits the theme. The back has a unique StarFest logo. The shirt is a cotton blend, so consider a little shrinkage after washing when choosing the size. The shirt is available in XS-4X. Additional shirts can be pre-ordered and are $18 each. They are only available through pre-payment with registration.
Observing
Observing is easy at Bays Mountain. Solar viewing will be at the dam and night viewing will be at our observatory area. Bring your own equipment. Some rules: only park in designated spots and not on the grassy area. You can leave your scope out all day unattended, but it is not recommended. The grounds are open to the public during the day and for the Saturday night StarWatch.
Sleeping Arrangements
If you want to sleep within the Park grounds (at no additional charge!), you can bring your sleeping gear and find a space in the Nature Center, but it must be put away before the building opens to the public at 8:30 a.m. Pitching a tent or using a hammock is fine and a great area is back behind the Zipline up towards the Maintenance Building. This space will be out of the way of the general public and more secluded. Please, do not pitch a tent anywhere near the parking lots nor observatory. Also make sure tree damage does not occur. You can also sleep in your car or bring a small camper/popup. Please don’t park your camper near the Farmstead, but the side lots near the Amphitheater is a great place. Be aware that parking is very limited, so please do not use up many spots with a camper/popup. StarFest is the only event of the entire year in which we allow non-primitive camping. The Park does not have showers and camp fires are not allowed in the Park.
For those wanting a little more comfiness in the evening, we have arranged for a special rate of $105+tax/night at the Marriott MeadowView Resort. This is the closest and also the most luxurious amenity in the Tri-Cities region. It is a four+ star facility. Call the MeadowView (423-578-6600) and ask for the StarFest rate or see the website to use the link to get the special rate. This rate is guaranteed up to September 27, 2019. Here’s the link:
Pets
If you have a dog, we are puppy-friendly, but they must be on a leash at all times, cleaned up after, and not allowed near any of the animal habitats.
Public Park Activities
As always, the schedule allows for many opportunities to enjoy park programming. Note, with your StarFest badge, you can receive free, on Oct. 18-20, entrance to the Park and passes to planetarium shows, nature programs and barge rides. Yes, you need your stinkin’ badge! Public planetarium shows are offered at 4 p.m. on Fridays and 1, 2, and 4 p.m. on weekends.
Barge rides are a 45 min. tour of the lake and its natural habitats. They are at 3 p.m. on Fri. and 1, 2, & 5 p.m. on weekends. Nature programs are offered at 3 p.m. on weekends and the topic varies with each offering.
Note: the zip line is not included with registration. That is $10 per person.
Please note that if your family arrives with you, they MUST be fully registered if they also want to partake of any of the meals or attend any of the StarFest talks.
The Bays Mountain Astronomy Club and Bays Mountain Park staff look forward to seeing you for StarFest 2019! Please contact me if you have any questions.
Adam Thanz; StarFest Chair; 423-224-2532
Tentative Schedule:
Bays Mountain StarFest – 36th Anniversary
Kingsport, TN – October 18-20, 2019
Friday, Oct. 18, 2019
4:30 p.m. Farmstead Check-in and Swap Setup (no earlier!)
5:30 p.m. Farmstead Dinner
6 p.m. Farmstead Chuck Higgins – “The Radio Universe”
7-9 p.m. Pavilion Twilight Soirée
8-? p.m. Observatories Observing on your own.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
7:30 a.m. Farmstead Big TN Country Breakfast (no earlier!)
8:45 a.m. Planetarium Welcome [Note: No Food nor Drink!]
9 a.m. Planetarium Erin Smith – The Infrared Universe…
10:15 a.m. Planetarium Show – “Cosmic Colors”
Noon Farmstead Lunch (no earlier!)
12:45 p.m. Farmstead Panel Discussion
2 – 4 p.m. Farmstead Swap Shop – Please do not start until 2!
3-3:30 p.m. Dam SunWatch (weather dependent)
4:55 p.m. Amphitheater Group Photo
5:05 p.m. Farmstead Dinner (no earlier!)
5:30 p.m. Farmstead Tyson Littenberg – “Tuning in to Einstein’s Universe”
6:45 p.m. Observatories StarWatch Set-Up
7 p.m. Observatories Public StarWatch (in Planetarium if poor weather)
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019
9 a.m. Farmstead Big TN Country Breakfast (no earlier!)
10:00 a.m. Farmstead Stephen Reynolds – “Exploring the Spectrum of the Remnants of Stellar Explosions”
11 a.m. Farmstead Door Prizes
Directions
Directions
