UPDATE 10/18/24: Weather looks terrific so we are a GO! for tonight’s Comet Watch Party at Tennessee Tree Toppers!

The Tennessee Tree Toppers and the BAS would like to invite you to observe Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) from the TTT hanglider launch site overlooking the beautiful Sequatchie Valley!

The comet should be just visible to the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars will give a stunning image. The BAS will have gear available for helping you spot and observe this one-time visitor from the Oort Cloud!

Basic Information (Times listed are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), even though the venue is technically Central Daylight Time (CDT). Subtract one hour for local time.)

Sunset is at 7:01 pm EDT.
Moon rise at 7:45 pm ET, 99% full. Oh, and it is a supermoon, too.
Comet will be at 28° above the horizon at 7:45 pm EDT. Should be well-situated for viewing from the TTT venue.
Set-up: 5:30-6:30 EDT
Guest arrival: 7:00 pm EDT
Should have good summer targets available, but the moon will be pretty bright.

***Understand that parking may be a challenge for this event. Cars will be parked in the main lot and around the perimeter road inside the gate. There will be folks to assist with parking vehicles.***

Restrooms will be available on-site. The BAS wants to remind guests that we all need to work together to leave the TTT facility in better condition than we found it 😊.

Please note that this event is dependent on the weather. Updates will be posted here around 1:00 pm on the day of the event regarding weather conditions and possible cancellation.

Photo Credit: Borja Suarez/Reuters