Question 1: Do I have to own a telescope to join the BAS?

Answer 1: Absolutely not, as you don’t even need a telescope to enjoy and learn about the night sky. All you need is a desire to enjoy learning about the universe and to meet others that share your interest in the hobby.

Question 2: Do I have to be an expert in astronomy to join the BAS?

Answer 2: Absolutely not, as our goal is to provide a community for astronomy enthusiasts, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice that is brand new to the hobby.

Question 3: What type of telescope does the BAS recommend for a beginner?

Answer 3: This is one of the most asked questions but also one of the most difficult to answer. Check out our Beginners Guide page for more details and also this link to one of our members’ recent presentations that discusses this topic as well.

However, to answer here, the best type of telescope is one that you will actually use and enjoy using. First, you get what you pay for. So, buying an “off the shelf” refractor for less than a few hundred dollars from a non-astronomy related store (brick and mortar or online) is usually not good for much more than viewing the moon and will likely end up being more frustrating than anything (i.e., it gets put in the closet to collect dust; we call them “hobby killers”). Second, getting a big expensive telescope that is too complicated or heavy to carry around everywhere ends up not getting used that much either. A “Tabletop Dobsonian” reflecting telescope 4.5 to 6 inches (about 110 to 150 mm) in diameter is a great example starter telescope that will provide great views of the night sky, while also portable and within a reasonable budget.

The Library Telescope Program fortunately provides an opportunity to try out a “Tabletop Dobsonian”. For those within the Chattanooga area, the Eastgate Branch of the Chattanooga Library is currently registered with the program and has several of these telescopes available for checkout. Click here for additional information.

Question 4: Can the BAS help me learn how to use a telescope and observe the night sky?

Answer 4: Absolutely! We first suggest coming to one of our public star parties and asking lots of questions. Or better yet, join the BAS. As a member, you will have better access to so many other members that not only share your interest in astronomy but also have lots of experience and knowledge about various types of telescopes.

Question 5: Do I have to own a telescope to observe and learn about the night sky?

Answer 5: Absolutely not, as naked eye viewing is probably the best way to begin learning the night sky anyways. Start off with learning constellations and watch how the planets change location night to night. The next recommended step is to move up to a pair of binoculars before needing to use a telescope. The moon, star clusters, bright nebula, and even a few galaxies are visible using a small pair of binoculars outside of the city lights.

Question 6: Where are the best places around Chattanooga to observe the night sky?

Answer 6: This is another frequently asked question that is not straight forward to answer. The short answer is anywhere you can escape the light pollution of a city. See our Locations page for some of the state parks where we have star parties at and our Websites and Apps page for a link to a light pollution map to help.

Question 7: What is a “star party”?

Answer 7: For this one, we have an entire Star Party Information page dedicated to answering this question.

Question 8: Can I attend a BAS meeting without being a member?

Answer 8: Absolutely, we always enjoy meeting others interested in astronomy! However, we obviously encourage the advantages of Membership.

Question 9: My child is a student member of the BAS. Can I drop them off and then pick them up after a monthly meeting or star party event?

Answer 9: Unfortunately, the BAS Code of Conduct states “The Society is not responsible for unattended minors at any Society event, and as such, parents and guardians of minors are required to attend the same event as a chaperone.”

Question 10: Is the BAS available to help at my event?

Answer 10: One of primary goals of the BAS is community outreach, however, we are also a non-profit volunteer organization. The BAS is limited in availability and resources, but we do our best to help support local educational and non-profit events when possible. Unfortunately, we do not support “for-profit” events. Requests can be made using the form located on our Contact Us page.

Question 11: Can I donate a telescope and/or telescope accessories to the BAS?

Answer 11: Absolutely and thank you! Just like direct support for the BAS through financial donations using our Donate button, we also accept astronomy equipment. If the telescope equipment is determined unable to be used for our outreach or member-supported activities and goals, then we do have available networks (including our own membership) to sell the items so the money raised can be used for such activities. Please fill out our form on our Contact Us page to let us know what you have so we can determine if it is something that we can take as a donation.

Question 12: What is Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA)?

Answer 12: EAA is when a camera is attached to a telescope to allow viewing on a digital display (i.e., tablet, monitor/screen, etc.). EAA is a great way to show celestial objects to a group or for those who have difficulty viewing the night sky through an eyepiece. Additional information on EAA can be found here, which is a presentation by one of our BAS members.