Join Dr. Lionel Crews from the University of Tennessee at Martin Astronomy Department and the Discovery Park education team for a special solar viewing on Friday, Oct. 3. Guests will have the chance to safely observe the Sun using filters that reveal sunspots and, in some cases, prominences and other magnetic activity on its surface. It is a rare opportunity to take a closer look at the star that makes life on Earth possible.

The Sun is a constant presence in our sky, yet most people have never seen it in detail. With the right equipment, visitors can view features that change and shift across its surface, offering a glimpse of the dynamic forces at work inside our solar system’s star. In addition to solar viewing, guests will take part in a scale model Solar System activity that demonstrates just how vast our cosmic neighborhood really is.

This month’s event will be located on the Great Lawn from 4:15-6 p.m. Please follow the signs and park on the north side of the parking lot.

Passport to the Universe   

There are 2 remaining Astronomy Night programs in 2025. Anyone who attends five or more of these events in the calendar year and completes our special training will receive a unique patch to commemorate the year’s astronomical events. Don’t forget to bring your passports.