Tamke-Allan Observatory

Tamke-Allan Observatory (TAO) is an astronomical observatory in Rockwood, Tennessee, owned and operated by Roane State Community College near Watts Bar Lake.

About Tamke-Allan Observatory

The observatory was dedicated in 1998 and is built to serve both education and public outreach. Its facility includes a classroom alongside two observing domes.

Telescopes & research

Instruments include an 8-inch refractor housed in a 12-foot computer-controlled dome, a Celestron 8 Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector, a vintage 4-inch Unitron refractor used for instruction, and a 12-inch Meade reflector.

History

Tamke-Allan Observatory was dedicated in 1998 as part of Roane State Community College, with a mission to create a positive astronomy education and research environment for students and the public alike.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Rockwood, in Roane County, Tennessee, near Watts Bar Lake, in a setting that keeps it within easy reach of the surrounding college community.

Visiting Tamke-Allan Observatory

Public stargazes are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, with free public stargazing on selected evenings. Check the college's observatory website for current dates before visiting.

See your named star from here

With telescopes ranging from a vintage refractor to a computer-controlled 8-inch, Tamke-Allan is well set up to help you find a star of your own. A Star Register name comes with the coordinates needed. Browse our packages or the catalogue.