La Follette
Stargazing Guide.
Just 46.9 miles from the center of La Follette, lies some of the region's best viewing at Tamke-Allan Observatory. We feature instrumented readings from Clingmans Dome to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for La Follette
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Tamke-Allan Observatory. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~46.9 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Clingmans Dome as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Knoxville Observers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 2 recognized sites near La Follette offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, La Follette offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Clingmans Dome. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in La Follette
While Autumn offers the most consistent clear nights for La Follette, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Autumn months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for La Follette Observers
When observing from Tamke-Allan Observatory, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For La Follette residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of TN to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Clingmans Dome (66.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in La Follette
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these La Follette spots to preserve your night vision.
Tamke-Allan Observatory
" For the dedicated La Follette observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
RSCC Oak Ridge Campus, Main Auditorium
" Heading out from La Follette toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for La Follette
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Tamke-Allan Observatory to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for La Follette
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, La Follette observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Clingmans Dome
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Clingmans Dome provide La Follette residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"A very windy night with strong gusts. FWHM definitely affected, probably by vibrations of the observation tower itself. Light polltion sources visible both in foreground and at horizon. A thin layer of haze evident to east, possibly part of approaching clouds. First data set virtually cloud free. Sky free of contrails. Limiting magnitude found in Pegasus. Andromeda galaxy visible, M15 requires much effort. Milky Way detail easily detectable near zenith. Sky appeared noticeably brighter than previous nights, possibly due to some airglow. I also think it may have to do with the atmospheric clarity. All other nights contained some amount of possible light absorbing clouds. The second set of images from this night do contain some clouds, but the first set is clear."
Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Cades Cove provide La Follette residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"LZM found in Pegasus. Moderate Milky Way detail was visible. M31 easily visible, M33 a difficult averted vision object. Airglow likely strong."
Dark Sky Oasis near La Follette
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Obed Wild and Scenic River
La Follette stargazers often look to Obed Wild and Scenic River as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Park Headquarters: 208 N. Maiden Street Wartburg, TN 37887
The Swag
As one of the closest certified environments to La Follette, The Swag offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
2300 Swag Road Waynesville, North Carolina, 28785
Astronomy Clubs for La Follette
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Solar System Guide profile.
Gearing Up for La Follette Nights
"For the extended excursion from La Follette, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The La Follette Field Kit
When observing near La Follette, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. Since Tamke-Allan Observatory offers a specific Class 5 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.