800 Fort Negley Blvd.
Nashville TN 37203
615-862-5160
www.adventuresci.com
Features

Sudekum Planetarium

Star Parties

Have you ever been to a star party? This is where astronomers from all around the area gather at a dark location, far away from city lights, to view the night sky. You'll find telescopes of all sizes - even 20-inch diameter monsters! But this is not just an event for the die-hard amateur astronomer - anyone can join. Even if you're just a beginner, a star party can be a great introduction to the skies above. If you have a telescope or binoculars, bring them along - the more, the merrier!

If you're interested in joining us for a star party, keep this page bookmarked. We'll always have a list of the next few observing sessions scheduled for the Nashville area.

Upcoming Star Parties


Helpful Tips

  • If the skies are cloudy or worse, the star party will be cancelled. If the skies are iffy, call Sudekum Planetarium's Astroline at (615) 401-5092 to confirm whether the star party will be held or not. Announcements may also be made on our home page.

  • Download and print out a copy of Sudekum Planetarium's monthly star chart to bring with you.

  • Make or buy a red flashlight so you can see your star chart without ruining your night vision. To make one, just find some red cellophane or red cloth to cover the light - so that only red light comes from the flashlight. Red light is much easier on the eyes than the white light that comes from a regular, unfiltered flashlight. You'll be doing yourself (and everyone else at the star party) a big favor!

  • For the same reason, please be sure that when you arrive at the star party location, you turn off your car headlights as soon as is safely possible.

  • Be sure to dress very warmly in winter! Though it can be a lot of fun, stargazing isn't a very physical activity - you won't be moving around much, and you may get cold sooner than you think!

  • If you need to use bug spray or insect repellant, please step away from the telescopes before applying it. The chemicals can damage telescope optics on contact.

  • If you're interested in buying a telescope, but don't know what to look for, star parties are the perfect place to try out many different kinds of telescopes, and ask questions to the people who own them.