6AM City In-house

Just some light reading 💡

Light pollution in Chattanooga, TN
NOOGAtoday night sky
If you live downtown, you may not get a clear view of the stars each night — here’s a reason why. | Photo by NOOGAtoday
Did you know that the starry sky in Chattanooga is one of a kind? Seriously, no two places in the world have the same view of the stars — talk about local.

The thing is, it’s likely you’ve never gotten to fully appreciate the night sky. For example, if you live downtown, you probably won’t see:
  • Zodiacal lights, the cone of light above sunrise + sunset points
  • Meteor showers, like the Perseids in August, the Geminids + Ursids in December, and the Lyrids in mid-late April
  • The Milky Way, visible as a yellow-orange band of light in the night sky
In fact, we’re betting the sky at night is sometimes light gray or orange, and bright enough to read by. So, are we psychic? Well, maybe — but these are all effects of light pollution.

Light?!

Light. You may not think of light as a pollutant, but 180,000 people all pointing lights into the night sky can have a serious effect on natural cycles that rely on light + the stars. Think:
  • Birds that pathfind using constellations
  • Insects attracted to light (like a moth to a flame, you could say)
  • Plants that use light to know when to grow + shed leaves
  • All creatures (even humans) that rely on day-night cycles for sleep
Even setting aside the ecosystem, it’s hard to argue with the view. (For reference, the sky above the Tennessee Aquarium is a class 7 on the Bortle scale.)

Here’s something you won’t expect…

This is really good news. Of all the pollution that feels out of our control, light pollution is actually completely reversible. The International Dark Sky Association has resources to help you use artificial light conscientiously.
Chattanooga State Community College

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Today, Jan. 5
  • Sensory Night | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | This CDM event is a low-stimulus evening for children with sensory sensitivities.
  • Creative Writing: The Hero’s Journey | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $20 | Learn about the classic “Hero’s Journey” and leave the class with an outline of your own novel or movie script.
Friday, Jan. 6
  • “Splash!” | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | In-Town Gallery, 26 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga | Free | See a special showing of artwork by the talented young artists of Splash Youth Arts Workshop.
  • Matt Mitchell | Friday, Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | The Comedy Catch at the Choo Choo, 29 Station St., Chattanooga | $19-$22 | When he is not touring comedy clubs on the weekends, Matt is also known on the airwaves as the “Casio Kid.”
  • Chattanooga Modelcon | Friday, Jan. 6-Saturday, Jan. 7 | Various times | Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter St., Chattanooga | $7 | See model creations of aircrafts, planes, ships, and more while shopping over 100 vendors — kids under 16 are free.
Saturday, Jan. 7
  • Open Gate Day | Saturday, Jan. 7-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd., Lookout Mountain | $16-$40 | Head to Lula Lake for one of its twice-monthly open gate days — enjoy over eight miles of trails, bluff views, and a 120-foot waterfall.
  • Self-Care Saturday: New Year, New You | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 1-4 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $90 | The Chattery’s new Self-Care Saturday series will offer the chance to relax, unplug, and focus on you.
Sunday, Jan. 8
  • Sunday Studio | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 2-4 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View Ave., Chattanooga | Price of admission | Enjoy drop-in art experiences for kids and families, and make your own work inspired by art in the Hunter’s permanent collection.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Weather
  • 59º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️
Civic
  • The US General Services Administration (GSA) announced that three sites were identified for further analysis to potentially become Chattanooga’s new federal courthouse. GSA will seek public comment + continue to give updates on the process online. (Chattanoogan.com)
Outdoors
  • The City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors department officially waived daily usage fees at the Chris Ramsey Center pool, South Chattanooga indoor pool, Chattanooga Fitness Center + The Champions Club Tennis Complex. Check out the complete list of facilities, hours, and activities. 🌳
Arts
  • Are your kiddos a fan of Disney’s television series “Doc McStuffins”? Starting on Saturday, Jan. 14, the Creative Discovery Museum will offer “Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit,” which features a highly interactive space that aims to help children become comfortable in a healthcare setting. 🩺
  • Entries for the Photographic Society of Chattanooga’s Youth Photography Showcase will open on Sunday, Jan. 15. Chattanooga + North Georgia area students ages 14-18 can submit digital, projected, and printed images for this year’s contest. 📸
Pets
  • McKamey Animal Center has launched a monthly community series, “MAC C.A.R.E.S,” that will offer free informational sessions regarding care, DIY pet projects, first aid, and more. The yearly schedule + topics to be discussed are already planned so you can schedule accordingly. 🐾
Network
  • Scenic City Women’s Network has announced its 2023 Marketplace Luncheon lineup featuring public speaker Lounelle Draper. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, and registration is open to the public.
Edu
  • Looking to expand your education in 2023? ChattState can help. The first step to becoming a ChattState Tiger is letting them know your student type (think: first-time, returning, workforce development, or lifelong learner). The result: Enrollment information customized to your education journey. 🐅*
Travel
  • How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to St. Croix). 🌴 *
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Events

New Black History Festival coming to East Lake Community Center
Next month, Chattanooga will get its first Black History Festival in celebration of Black History Month.

The details:

The event’s goal is to give families of all backgrounds a chance to experience and learn more about Black and African culture.

It will feature: local vendors, authors, an interactive museum, cultural food and performances — including African drums and dance — art exhibits, book giveaways, spoken word performances, and more.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Brianna and Dayten.

Editor’s pick: Anyone else struggling this first week back at work after the holidays? Brianna here, and I know I am — The Chattery’s new Self-Care Saturday series may be calling my name after this week.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, it’s time that we recycle thee.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Brianna Williams, Kristen Templeton, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Sarah Edwards | Advertise with us.

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