Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with the Barnard Astronomical Society of Chattanooga, invites the public to participate in a special one-hour ranger-led program discussing the night skies above Chickamauga Battlefield during the Civil War compared to today. This program will take place On Saturday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Recreation Field on Chickamauga Battlefield. Special program signs will direct visitors to the program site.
Officials said, "Stars have conjured curiosities from man since time began and we are still amazed by what is visible above us.
They have been used for millennia to guide us on journeys at night. The stars we see above us today were visible to soldiers during the Civil War, but we cannot see all that they saw. Join a park ranger for this very special program that allows visitation to Chickamauga Battlefield at night, which is otherwise restricted."
The Barnard Astronomical Society will be providing telescopes for viewing. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescope, if so desired, and are encouraged to bring an iPad to use a downloadable Night Sky App. Portable chairs and flashlights are encouraged. Participants should dress for the weather. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Saturday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the Barnard Astronomical Society of Chattanooga, visit the website at https://barnardastronomy.org or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BarnardAstro.