UTC Clarence T. Jones Observatory

23/04/2026

We enjoyed hosting the UTC Geology Program's Earth Day event. What a great day to celebrate our home!

20/04/2026

Join us this Wednesday to learn about or favorite planet and what makes it so special! We hope to see you for a nite to celebrate Earth! We'll have exhibits and a planetarium show from 7-9. Please park behind Brainerd United Methodist Church.

Join us on Wednesday, April 22 from 7:00-9:00 for a special Earth Day event to celebrate our favorite planet! In partnership with the UTC Geology Program, there will be a free planetarium show and opportunities to learn more about Earth! Best access to the observatory is to park behind the Brainerd United Methodist Church. Donations always appreciated!

16/04/2026

What can you do? Consider these small changes to your outdoor lighting to offset the effects of light pollution. If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to minimizing light pollution, go to www.darksky.org, and join us this Friday (April 17th) for an International Dark Sky Week Celebration from 7:00-9:00 at the Observatory.

15/04/2026

If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to minimizing light pollution, go to www.darksky.org and join us this Friday (April 17th) for an International Dark Sky Week Celebration from 7:00-9:00 at the Observatory.

14/04/2026

If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to minimizing light pollution, go to www.darksky.org and join us this Friday (April 17th) for an International Dark Sky Week Celebration from 7:00-9:00 at the observatory.

13/04/2026

This week, in celebration of International Dark Sky week, we’d like to use our platform to convey the problems caused by light pollution and the things that individuals and businesses can do to minimize light pollution. We at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory understand the importance of having dark skies to view our universe and spark curiosity in all ages. If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute to minimizing light pollution, go to www.darksky.org. Also, join us this Friday (April 17th) for an International Dark Sky Week Celebration from 7:00-9:00 at the observatory.

10/04/2026

If you have been to a recent Star Party, you may have noticed that we have a new room open for all ages to experience hands-on activities and learn more about how we read the universe. We also have a new display that allows visitor's to expand their inquiry into topics we cover in the lecture and planetarium. We have worked all year to design and build these exhibits and kid's center and are excited to have it open. We hope that it creates a new level of learning and upgrades our visitors' experience at the observatory. These exhibits are possible because of generous funding from the Alliance of Women's Philanthropists.

We only have a few more events before we slow down for the summer so make sure to visit us during our last Star Party this Sunday or our special International Dark Sky Week event or our Earth Day event.

09/04/2026

Reminder! Tomorrow (Friday) evening is the inaugural Karel Hujer Memorial Lecture given by Dr. Hal McAlister. The lecture will take place on the UTC campus in Grote Hall room 129. On Saturday, we'll have an associated open house at the Observatory and registration is recommended. For more information and to register for the Open House visit here: https://blog.utc.edu/news/2026/03/star-attraction-utc-observatory-launches-karel-hujer-lecture-series/

07/04/2026

It's a Star Party! Join us this Sunday, April 12th for a short lecture and a planetarium show. If it's clear, members of the Barnard Astronomical Society will have telescopes in the parking lot behind Brainerd United Methodist Church. Doors open at 6:30, and programs start at 7:00. Those present at 7:00 or earlier will have priority seats in the lecture and planetarium. Building capacity is limited and when capacity is exceeded, we will allow people in as people leave. Easier access to the observatory is to park behind the Brainerd United Methodist Church.
Lecture topic: Formation of the Earth: A Story of our Solar System, Asteroids, and Meteor Impacts!
Presented by: Kevin Hon, UTC Adjunct Professor of Geology
Donations appreciated!

07/04/2026

Reminder: Join us on the UTC campus for a talk by Dr. Hal McAlister titled: Karel Hujer: Chattanooga's Astronomer and Citizen of the World. The talk will be on campus in Grote Hall room 129 on Friday, April 10. We will host a related Observatory Open House for those to meet Dr. McAlister on Saturday. Please register for the open house here: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/8c2MI7X7/preview/utc-physics-2026-karel-hujer-memorial-lecture-5a5eRl73B2v/overview