Summer solstice, the official start of summer and longest day of the year, falls at 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, June 21. The best place in Nashville to report on astronomy events is the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, located at one of the highest points in Nashville. Rocky Alvey, assistant director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, can explain the significance of summer solstice using the observatory’s Star Chamber anytime on June 21, especially if the day is sunny. The Star Chamber is a spiral limestone sculpture that acts like a giant camera, reflecting the sky on the floor of its interior. It also functions as one of the world’s most unique sundials.
WHAT: Summer solstice interview opportunity
WHERE: Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, off Granny White Pike between Old Hickory Boulevard and Otter Creek Road, near Radnor Lake.
WHEN: Thursday, June 21
Media Contact:Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu