NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory presents two upcoming public nights in August focused on Mars. The public night scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22 has a new start time of 9 p.m. The evening will begin with a presentation in the Dyer library entitled "Life on Mars." Due to tremendous public interest, the observatory will host an additional Mars viewing night on Tuesday, Sep. 16 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. In addition, the observatory will host public nights on Thursday, Sep. 11 and Friday, Sep. 26. Both of these evenings will begin at 7:30 p.m. See schedule below for complete details on August and September viewing opportunities.
"We are extremely pleased to see the great public interest in Mars," said Rick Chappell, director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. "Visitors should expect large crowds, and we ask them to be patient with long lines and limited parking. We hope to accommodate as many people as possible for our upcoming public nights. There will be excellent views of Mars in September, and Mars will be visible earlier in the evening. People interested in viewing Mars who are unable to attend our August viewings are encouraged to come to our September viewings."
These events are in anticipation of Mars’ closest approach to Earth in 60,000 years. The public nights include presentations in the observatory library as well as question and answer sessions with astronomers. Telescope viewing is weather dependent. All public nights at Dyer are free-of-charge, and no reservations are required. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is located at 1000 Oman Drive in Brentwood. For further information and directions to Dyer, access Dyer’s website, www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu or phone (615) 373-4897.
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory serves to inspire student and public interest in science through experiencing the wonders of astronomy and space exploration.
Friday, Aug. 22
9 p.m. ñ 1 a.m.
(Please note: revised start time of 9:00 p.m.)
Public Night
Presentation at 9 p.m.: Life on Mars
Mars will be visible at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
11 ñ 3 a.m.
Mars Viewing Night
Special late night viewing of Mars as it makes its closest approach to Earth
Thursday, Sep. 11
7:30 p.m. ñ 10:30 p.m.
Public Night
Presentation at 7:30 p.m.: Supernovas: Exploding Stars
Mars will be visible at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sep. 16
8:30 ñ 10:30 p.m.
Mars Viewing Night
Friday, Sep. 26
7:30 p.m. ñ 10:30 p.m.
Public Night
Presentation at 7:30 p.m.: The Search for Planets Around Other Stars
Mars will be visible at approximately 8 p.m.
Media Contact: Martha Splain, (615) 373-4897 martha.splain@Vanderbilt.Edu