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.
Special Addenda: Due to the virus, we are continuing to monitor transmission rates. See the meetings tab for details. To become a member, click here.
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 club members 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 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 click here.
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
The Bays Mountain Astronomy Club holds regular meetings.
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!
Note: We are continuing to monitor virus transmission rates. Please see meeting details below.
June 3, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Location?
Topic – TBA
August 5, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
September 2, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
October 7, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Location – BMP Observatories (notice the earlier start time) – ? – Do not know yet
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 4, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
December 2, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
February 3, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
March 3, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
April 7, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
May 5, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
June 2, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Location – Bays Mountain Park – Discovery Theater Classroom on the lower level of the Nature Center
Topic – TBA
Opportunities & Rules
Opportunities & Rules
There are endless learning opportunities while being a member of the astronomy club. Our members are more than happy to help. Topics can run from using a telescope and star chart, to learning the details of astrophotography, or understanding the basics of astronomy like Moon phases and seasons.
Volunteerism
This is not the same as being a member of the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club.
If you want to do more and provide help with public events such as StarWatch 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 Coordinator 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 mail or e-mail them to the Park Volunteer Coordinator. After the form is processed, the Volunteer Coordinator will then contact you to attend an orientation meeting. They will then contact the planetarium director about your status.
If you are younger than 16, then you won’t be able to officially “volunteer,” but we still want to offer the opportunity for you to learn directly from 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 helping at a public event (that has successfully been accepted into the volunteer program), 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 members and volunteers. If you do not play well with others, then you will not be a part of this program. Again, it is a privilege, not a right, to be a member of the club or to 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 Fall. 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 registration 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 2022 is scheduled for November 4-6, 2022.
Though camping / sleeping at the Park is offered for StarFest 2022 delegates, you might want to stay at the closest and finest hotel in the Tri-Cities region. Remember, we do not have showers nor sleeping dorms at the Park. The Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center is a four-star facility only three miles away. A special rate will be established.
For 2022:
“Tennessee Astronomy”
Greetings Everyone!
The 37th 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 Planetarium. It is being held on November 4-6, 2022. It is run as a non-profit event, so registration is as low as possible.
The theme of this year’s event is “Tennessee Astronomy.” Of course, all of our keynote speakers are in Tennessee. Our speakers will also represent the historical progress of astronomy in Tennessee. We’ll start with a historical view focused on the Dyer Observatory. We’ll have two professional astronomers discuss their work. Then we’ll progress through time and see the shift from professional astronomers doing all the research to our current Pro-Am world where advanced amateurs are involved in today’s astronomy.
This year includes four distinctive keynote speakers; five great meals; door prizes; the ever popular swap shop; telescope viewing*; and the recently upgraded planetarium will be open. We’ll also have a soirée on Friday when you arrive to check in.
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. Extra shirts can be pre-ordered.
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, October 14, 2022. 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 November. If you use a credit card, you can write it on the sheet or call me and I can process it for you.
Registration will be around $165 per person. Full-time students with ID can enjoy a student rate, just subtract $20. If you cancel your registration before the October 14, 2022 deadline, you will receive a full refund. No refunds after that date.
Adam Thanz – StarFest 2022 Chair
*Note: It is unknown at this time if we’ll have public observing in the fall. Delegates wanting to share day or night observing with other delegates do so at their discretion. Personal observing is always an option.
**COVID-19 Note: Based on case numbers, their trend or quantity of registration, StarFest may be cancelled. The safety of everyone potentially attending is paramount. If we cancel, a full refund will be provided.
Keynote Speakers & Activities:
Check-In & Soirée
We’ve arranged for a very nice welcome back with a tipple from local breweries. Hand-crafted choices include ale and hard cider on tap. We’ll also have non-alcoholic offerings. Check-in, meet with your friends (both old and new) and relax!
Rocky Alvey – Past Director of the Dyer Observatory, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Title:
“Strange Juxtapositions of Fortunate Events – The Curious History of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory”
Abstract:
Were it not for a steamboat entrepreneur, a lady named Frank, a waif and his rooftop camera, a bridge builder, a “mighty big” tower, a bounce off the Moon, quasars, stolen meteorites, space stations, and country music, Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory would not exist. In this presentation I hope to weave together the stories of various disparate events and personalities, while following the fascinating path which led to both the creation and success of Dyer Observatory.
Bio:
Growing up on an Illinois farm, Rocky Alvey spent many nights lying in the fields looking up at the stars. His first dramatic memory of the sky was in the 1960’s as he watched a “star” move across the backdrop of the Milky Way. Later he learned that it was a satellite and wanted to know more. He immediately found an additional job supplementing his farm allowance by selling Grit newspapers in town on Saturday mornings. The extra money allowed him to obtain his first telescope in the 6th grade and since then, has pursued a lifelong fascination with all-things-astronomical.
Alvey combined his love for science and art as the Director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Observatory. Over the years he has treated tens-of-thousands to views through the telescope eyepiece and has presented hundreds of public talks on a variety of astronomical subjects. In 2012, with singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, his songs about astronomy became the Grammy-nominated, award-winning album “The Mighty Sky” and has been performed in venues around the world, from the United Nations to the Royal Albert Hall. The album has become a valuable resource world-wide for teaching astronomy in the classroom.
Dr. Jana Ruth Ford – Assistant Professor, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
Title:
“The Tennessee Meteorite Impact Sites”
Abstract:
Within our Solar System, impact cratering is the most common of the four major geological processes. However, prior to the space age, studies of this process were restricted to terrestrial impact structures. Terrestrial studies still offer astronomers and geologists opportunities to study the impact cratering process as well as the various ways in which the target surface can alter impact crater morphology. The information gained can then be applied to impact craters elsewhere in our Solar System. Tennessee has four structures of interest, each formed in a very different environment.
The Wells Creek Structure is a proven impact site, and has been referred to as the ‘syntype’ cryptoexplosion structure for the United States. It was the first impact structure in the United States in which shatter cones were identified and was probably the subject of the first detailed geological report on a cryptoexplosive structure in the United States. The Wells Creek Structure displays bilateral symmetry and three smaller ‘craters’ lie to the north of the main Wells Creek structure along its axis of symmetry. Questions remain as to whether or not these structures have a common origin with the Wells Creek structure.
The Flynn Creek Structure, another proven impact site, was first mentioned as a site of disturbance in Safford’s 1869 report on the geology of Tennessee. It has been noted as the terrestrial feature that bears the closest resemblance to a typical lunar crater, even though it is the probable result of a shallow marine impact. Flynn Creek is home to at least ten caves including the only cave known to have formed in the central uplift of a terrestrial complex crater.
The Dycus Structure lies only 13 km to the north-northwest of Flynn Creek and may be associated with the Flynn Creek impact event. It is not a proven impact site, but shows strong evidence of meteorite impact with features that reflect on the rock pressures attained during the deformation process. Dycus is elliptical in shape and possesses an offset ‘central’ uplift even though it is too small to be a complex crater.
The Howell Structure was included in a 1949 list of the twelve best-known ‘cryptovolcanic’ structures. Features that may be shatter cones have been found in the Howell Structure, but they are poorly formed and indistinct. Breccias and planar fractures in quartz grains found within the circular structure are evidence of a disturbance, but whether or not this disturbance was due to an impact has yet to be determined. Howell remains a suspected impact site.”
Bio:
Dr. Jana Ruth Ford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Middle Tennessee State University. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she moved to Tennessee in order to attend Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Ford spent eight years as an AT&T Transmission Engineer in Circuit Design before deciding to return to academia. She taught math at Columbia State, served as an educator at the Sudekum Planetarium, and worked at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory before joining the MTSU Department of Physics and Astronomy in 2004.
Planetarium Program
“Discover the Stars”
On a clear, dark night, most of us have gazed upon the stars and wondered about all those tiny points of light. Many of us are able to identify different patterns and constellations in the stars. But, what are those tiny points of light? “Discover the Stars” takes viewers beyond a simple observation of the night sky and delves into the fascinating lives of stars.
In “Discover the Stars,” we venture deep into a giant molecular cloud to witness the birth of a new star. When we look up at the night sky, we can see that stars vary in brightness and have many different colors. By exploring the causes of these variations, the program reveals what is similar to all stars and what makes them unique. Stars do not last forever. The program looks at the different ways that stars end their lives and the astronomical wonders that are left behind.
A planetarium show about stars would not be complete without the stunning pinpoint star field of our Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 star projector, which is featured throughout the program and also highlights what is up in our current night sky. “Discover the Stars” will give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the night sky.
The planetarium theater has undergone a $1.2M renovation this last year and is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere! The star projector has been updated with LED star lamps for brighter and whiter stars. The digital projectors have been replaced with the only 6-channel Zeiss VELVET LED projector system in the Western Hemisphere. What does that mean? Compared to our previous system, they are much brighter, much higher in resolution, even sharper and much more colorful. The result is stunning. The system also boasts an absolute black in projection. Our starry skies can include digital assets without degradation of the night sky. You just have to see it!
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!
Dr. Richard Ignace – Professor of Physics, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Title:
“The Adventures & Tales of Big, Fluffy Stars”
Abstract:
Some of the best known stars in the night sky are of the rare, enormous and luminous variety. Stars like Betelgeuse, Mira and Rigel come to mind. Despite their prominence to the naked eye, these “old friends” to sky watchers throughout the ages continue to puzzle astronomers with their curious behavior. Our understanding of the Cosmos has advanced through a number of approaches, ranging from surveys that give one kind of perspective, to intensive studies of select objects that provide a different view. My presentation will focus more on the intensive variety, with the emphasis on large stars. Such stars can have quite low surface gravities. Whereas the gravity of the Sun is about 30 times that of the Earth’s, the largest stars can have gravities closer to Earth-like values, making their atmospheres more extended, or “fluffy” in nature. I will discuss some of these fascinating objects, such as Betelgeuse, which was recently making headlines for its recent “great dimming” event. Other variable stars will also be included, such as epsilon Aurigae (also called Almaaz) and V Canum Venaticorum (V CVn). Fruitful partnerships between professional and amateur astronomers will be highlighted with some being intensive and drawing upon personal experience in the case of ongoing monitoring of V CVn.
Bio:
Richard Ignace is an astrophysicist who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Wisconsin and an M.S. in physics. He spent three years as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Ignace is a professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the director of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities in the Honors College at East Tennessee State University. His primary area of research is stellar astrophysics, particularly in the areas of theoretical modeling and observational astronomy using primarily NASA’s orbiting telescopes. Dr. Ignace seeks to increase understanding of stellar winds, and for this work he has received grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation. He has published extensively in professional astronomy journals, and has around two hundred writing credits to his name, including a textbook on introductory astronomy.
Theo Wellington – NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, Nashville, TN
Title:
“From Looking Up to Looking Out: Astronomy, the Oldest Science”
Abstract:
Beginning with just the unit-powered telescopes we are born with, our eyes, humans began to observe the Universe in an organized way thousands of years ago. It started with a select few who were fortunate, or rich, enough to truly explore this emerging science called astronomy. This endeavor evolved from one of privilege to that of purpose and ability. From solving practical problems to investigating the deepest fundamental questions of science, we’ll take a quick trip through our exploration of space and time!
Bio:
A child of the space age, Theo of course wanted to be an astronaut. But stars and space itself became more interesting as she discovered how much information comes to us on those twinkling beams of light. Surviving discovering that astronomy was really physics, which is really math, she received a BS in Astronomy from Case Western Reserve University in 1981. Detouring from there to a radiochemistry lab in Texas, she then moved to Tennessee. She coached almost 15 years of the Science Olympiad. She also spent a fun, eleven years at both the old and new Sudekum Planetarium in Nashville. She worked on eclipse outreach on behalf of Western Kentucky University in 2017 and is currently a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, enjoying providing educational programs for libraries and parks. Theo also advocates for better nighttime lighting through the International Dark Sky Association. A longtime member of the Nashville Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, she enjoys both public star parties and quiet times out with the telescope under dark skies.
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
Texas-Style Beef Brisket – Vegetarian: Eggplant Parmesan
Mixed Green Tossed Salad, Fried Tater Wedges, Cornbread Muffins, Banana Pudding, Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea, Coffee
Saturday Breakfast
Big Tennessee Country Breakfast with Egg, Cheese & Spinach Casserole – Vegetarian: Same as breakfast
Fresh Fruit, Bacon, Ham, Hash Browns, 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 (Blackberry, Carrot Cake & Red Velvet), Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea
Saturday Dinner
Baked Chicken w/ Champagne Mustard Sauce – Vegetarian: Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
Rice Pilaf, Cinnamon Apples, Rolls, Chocolate Brownie, Sweet & Unsweet Iced Tea, Coffee
Sunday Breakfast
Big Tennessee Country Breakfast with Egg, Cheese & Potato Casserole – Vegetarian: Same as breakfast
Fresh Fruit, Sausage, Ham, Hash Brown Patties, Biscuit, Gravy (no meat), Coffee, Milk, OJ
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 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 Hotel (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 October 14, 2022.
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 November 4-6, 2022, entrance to the Park and passes to planetarium shows, nature programs and barge rides. Yes, you need your stinkin’ badge! Check the Park’s scheduling calendar for details.
Barge rides are a 45 min. tour of the lake and its natural habitats. Nature programs are different for each time provided, so check the Park’s scheduling calendar for details.
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 presentations or activities.
The Bays Mountain Astronomy Club and Bays Mountain Park staff look forward to seeing you for StarFest 2022! Please contact me if you have any questions.
Adam Thanz; StarFest Chair; 423-224-2532
Directions
