New Moon Stargazing Session at Marble Springs State Historic Site

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – “New Moon,” the first 2018 stargazing session takes place 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at Marble Springs State Historic Site.

“New Moon” will be facilitated by Gary Noland, adjunct instructor of Astronomy at the University of Tennessee. Guests will meet at the cottage office where they will begin with a discussion and video about the winter night sky followed by the stargazing portion of the program. For those who have their own telescope, setup is 5-6 p.m.

There has been a lot written about the moon. Due to its proximity it is often the subject that is viewed in an effort to see all its surface features. Even as great as it is to watch the moon, it does have a downside, especially when there is a full moon. The light that is being reflected off its surface will cast a lot of bright light which interferes with constellation viewing. During the summer months, warm humid air will only amplify the moonlight which tends to make it difficult to see some of the fainter objects. If stargazers wish to view some of the harder to see constellations and asterisms it is best to view them during the new moon. Some of the constellations that will be viewed include Pegasus, Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Draco, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor. 

Tickets are $1 for a donation per person. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of overcast skies, the discussion portion will still take place. Details are subject to change.

All nighttime viewing sessions will take place at Marble Springs State Historic Site at 1220 W. Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. 

For more information email grounds@marblesprings.net or call 865-573-5508.

Programming assistance for this event is provided by Knox County. Marble Springs is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Historical Commission, and supplemented by additional funds raised by the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.

About Marble Springs State Historic Site

Marble Springs State Historic Site is the last remaining home of John Sevier.  Born in Virginia in 1745, John Sevier made a name for himself as a Revolutionary War Hero during the Battle of Kings Mountain (1780), a key player and governor of the short-lived State of Franklin (1784-1788), and ultimately was elected to serve as the first governor of the State of Tennessee (1796).

Marble Springs was the approximate 350-acre farm that Sevier lived on from 1801-1815, the last years of his life.  Sevier named his farm Marble Springs because of the Tennessee Pink Marble that was quarried on site and the natural springs that flowed on the property.

While visiting Marble Springs, you will have the opportunity to tour several historic structures that are designed to represent various aspects of John Sevier’s life & times.  These structures include: the Tavern, Loom House, Smoke House, Spring House & the John Sevier Cabin and detached kitchen.

Contact info:

Samantha Hickey, Interim Director

Phone | 865-573-5508

Email | director@marblesprings.net

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