Visitors look up at the historic telescope inside the UTC Observatory dome during a Star Party. Photo by Clara Paulson.
On the weekend of Valentine’s Day, visitors spent an evening under the dome at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory to explore attraction and what holdsthe universe together.
The “Star Party,” held Sunday, Feb. 15, focused on gravity as it connects planets, stars and galaxies across the universe, and was fittingly titled “Love and Deep Space.”
Steven Kline, astronomy lecturer and observatory director, explained that the Clarence T. Jones Observatory was built in 1936 and has had Star Parties for decades.
From its earliest days, the observatory was designed to bring space science to the public in an approachable way.
“It was a building established just for astronomy, outreach and education,” Kline said. “From the start, it’s always been about engaging with the public.
“It’s not something you need to have any background in. It’s just more of an ‘I’m kind of interested in that topic’ sort of thing. It’s cool, it’s fun, it’s engaging and a good chance to learn something.”
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Click here to read a Q&A with Steven Kline to learn more about the observatory and his role.
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Star Parties are held at the observatory on Sunday evenings during UTC’s fall and spring semesters and are free and open to the public. Start times shift with the sunset, typically beginning at 6 p.m. earlier in the semester and 7 p.m. later in the spring.
“Everyone can attend, and it does not cost any money at all,” said Ryan Spradling, a teaching assistant at the observatory and UTC geology major.
She explained that each Star Party event includes a 25-or-30 minute lecture on a physics or astronomy related topic and is followed by a planetarium show that visually reinforces what guests have learned.
“And then hopefully, if the weather is cooperative, we’ll have some viewing through the telescope so you can look at some cool stuff,” Spradling said.
The observatory is also nearing completion of a major telescope restoration. Robert L. Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon explained that the primary mirror was originally ground and shaped in the observatory’s basement by amateur astronomers and had not been recoated since the 1970s.
“We decided that while we were taking care of the mirror, ‘Why don’t we just give the whole thing some revisions?’” Brock-Hon asked.
The mirror was driven to California to be aluminized, allowing it to reflect light more effectively. During renovations, staff discovered lead paint in the dome, requiring additional fundraising and repairs.
For students and alumni of UTC, the star parties offer a place for connection.
“You get to meet a lot of fun people, and that is an amazing part of these events,” said Hannah Johnson, a UTC geology student.
UTC alum Amber Newbille, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in geology, said the events help her feel tied not only to the University but also to the broader Chattanooga community.
“I definitely believe it’s important to stay open to the public,” Newbille said. “It makes me feel more connected, not just to UTC, but to my community and to other space and science nerds too.”
Learn more
The people of UTC: Get to know Steven Kline
Photo gallery by Clara Paulson
Observatory Director Steven Kline presents “Love and Deep Space.”
