Quadrantids Meteor Shower
Look about 45 degrees away from the radiant point for the longest, most dramatic tail streaks. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Jan 3–4, roughly 2:00–6:00 AM local time
Recommended Gaze
North to northeast sky, away from city lights
Wolf Moon Supermoon
Perfect for binocular viewing. Look at the 'terminator' line (where light meets shadow) for the best crater detail. Even with the Class 6 glare near Log Cabins, the brightest parts of this Moon Event will still be visible to the naked eye. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Log Cabins are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Evening through dawn
Recommended Gaze
Rises in the east, sets in the west
Jupiter at Opposition
If you have a colored filter, use a blue one to enhance cloud belts or a red one for surface details. While Irondale has some skyglow, the moderate Class 4 conditions at Cades Cove are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Sunset through sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East after sunset, south at midnight
Moon & Mars Conjunction
This is a great 'naked eye' event, but 10x50 binoculars will reveal the color contrast between the objects. For Irondale observers, this Conjunction will be visible at Cades Cove, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Conjunction is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Shortly after sunset
Recommended Gaze
Southwest sky
Six-Planet Evening Alignment
Higher elevations will give you a much better chance of spotting the planets closest to the horizon. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
30–75 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West to southwest sky along the ecliptic
Total Lunar Eclipse
The temperature may drop noticeably during the event; having an extra layer ready is a veteran move. For Irondale observers, this Eclipse will be visible at Cades Cove, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Cades Cove are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Late night Mar 2 into early morning Mar 3 (best in western U.S.)
Recommended Gaze
South to southwest sky
Moon, Venus & Pleiades Grouping
Check the alignment early; some conjunctions happen low on the horizon and set quickly. This is a resilient event; while Log Cabins's skyglow is present, the target's magnitude will cut through the light. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Log Cabins are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
30–90 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Lyrids Meteor Shower
Lie flat on your back to take in as much of the sky as possible. No telescope needed! The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Meteor Shower is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Late night Apr 21 through dawn Apr 22
Recommended Gaze
Northeast sky
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
Avoid using binoculars; you'll want the widest field of view (your naked eyes) to catch fast streaks. While Irondale has some skyglow, the moderate Class 4 conditions at Cades Cove are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
May 5–6, roughly 3:00–5:30 AM local time
Recommended Gaze
East to southeast sky
Venus & Jupiter Conjunction
This is a great 'naked eye' event, but 10x50 binoculars will reveal the color contrast between the objects. For Irondale observers, this Conjunction will be visible at Cades Cove, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Warm, moist air is actually heavier and less turbulent, providing a 'thick' but steady window for tonight's targets. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
Just after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Mercury, Venus & Jupiter Alignment
Higher elevations will give you a much better chance of spotting the planets closest to the horizon. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Be wary of 'Heat Haze' near the horizon; aim your viewing toward the zenith for the clearest perspective. While it's a drive from Irondale, Cades Cove offers the isolation needed for spectacular views of tonight's target.
Optimal Window
20–45 minutes after sunset
Recommended Gaze
West-northwest sky
Perseids Meteor Shower
Avoid using binoculars; you'll want the widest field of view (your naked eyes) to catch fast streaks. While Irondale has some skyglow, the moderate Class 4 conditions at Cades Cove are still excellent for the brightest phases of this event. Be wary of 'Heat Haze' near the horizon; aim your viewing toward the zenith for the clearest perspective. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Cades Cove are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Late night Aug 11 through dawn Aug 12
Recommended Gaze
Northeast sky
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Capture the stages of the eclipse with a telephoto lens, keeping your exposure settings flexible as it darkens. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. In the humid South, transparency is highest after a cold front passes through, washing the sky of its hazy moisture. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Cades Cove are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Late evening into early morning
Recommended Gaze
South to southwest sky
Saturn at Opposition
If you have a colored filter, use a blue one to enhance cloud belts or a red one for surface details. For Irondale observers, this Planetary Opposition will be visible at Cades Cove, which offers a reliable escape from the most intense local glare. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Planetary Opposition is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Sunset through sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East after sunset, south at midnight
Four-Planet Morning Alignment
Higher elevations will give you a much better chance of spotting the planets closest to the horizon. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Winter dry-fronts in the South bring rare, crystal-clear transparency that rivals high-altitude sites. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Planetary Alignment is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
90–30 minutes before sunrise
Recommended Gaze
East to southeast sky
Mars & Jupiter Conjunction
Wide-field eyepieces are best here to frame both celestial bodies in the same view. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Conjunction is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Pre-dawn hours
Recommended Gaze
East-southeast sky
Geminids Meteor Shower
Look about 45 degrees away from the radiant point for the longest, most dramatic tail streaks. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. The journey to Cades Cove from Irondale is a commitment, but the gain in sky quality for this Meteor Shower is worth the effort.
Optimal Window
Late night Dec 13 through dawn Dec 14
Recommended Gaze
East to overhead
December Supermoon
Try to catch the moonrise or moonset to see the 'Moon Illusion' making it appear massive against the horizon. The regional Class 4 baseline at Cades Cove is perfectly suited for observing this celestial alignment. Cooler Gulf nights often see a reduction in local particulate haze, making it a great time for deep-sky targets. Pack some snacks for the drive from Irondale; the dark horizons at Cades Cove are a justified reward for this view.
Optimal Window
Evening through dawn
Recommended Gaze
East at moonrise, west at moonset