Dyer Observatory

Much of Middle Tennessee will see about 95% of the sun covered on April 8, providing us with a grand partial solar eclipse. The Sun will begin to disappear at 12:45 p.m., reach maximum eclipse by 2:02 p.m., and completely reappear at 3:20 p.m. For those who crave the experience of a total solar eclipse, all is not lost. The path of totality extends across much of the eastern United States, making it accessible by just a few hours' drive from Nashville. Read More

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory welcomes astronomy enthusiasts to its 2024 season, marked this year by the unveiling of a new logo. Read More

Looking for an enriching experience for your children this summer? Vanderbilt offers a diverse selection of camps providing skill development, learning and fun. Whether your child is passionate about sports, academic exploration or the arts, Vanderbilt has a summer camp experience just for them.  Read More

Vanderbilt University researchers are scheduled to reveal an exciting update in the realm of pulsars and gravitational waves from National Science Foundation headquarters on June 29. On June 30, they will return to Nashville to share what they found and what the discovery means for our future understanding of the cosmos. Read More

With roots back to Vanderbilt’s beginning, Dyer Observatory has long been a center for discovery, education and outreach. Read More

Campers learn how scientists discover the secrets of the universe—from exotic black holes to the nature of light. The camp curriculum has been created by an expert team of astronomy professionals, space scientists and area science teachers.  Read More

The public is invited to a March 16 lecture at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory to learn more about noted astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard and his connections to Vanderbilt’s history. Read More

Join Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory on Saturday, April 17, at 8 p.m. CT for a free, educational star party and discussion. Read More

Billy Teets, director and resident astronomer for Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, will lead a discussion of the history of the Voyager spacecraft—including their engineering, major discoveries and what they are up to today. The virtual event will be at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 25. Read More

Billy Teets has been promoted to director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, after serving as interim director since July 1, 2020. Read More

Learn how federal policy shapes space exploration, observe a once-in-a-lifetime planetary conjunction and more this month with Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Read More

Take a guided tour of the autumn skies during a star party led by Billy Teets, acting director and outreach astronomer for Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Stargaze on Saturday, Nov. 14, and learn how to buy a home telescope from a Vanderbilt astronomer on Thursday, Nov. 19. Read More

Join astronomers in six locations across the state as they focus their telescopes on the night sky and highlight some of the astronomical gems above. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory will co-host the virtual star party on Friday, July 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. CT. Read More

Many Vanderbilt non-academic programs, camps and special events are being canceled for summer 2020 to protect the health and safety of the community during the coronavirus outbreak. Read More

Through field trips, science camps and public events at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, outreach astronomer Billy Teets engages Middle Tennessee students and community members in the process of lifelong learning and discovery. Read More

More than 200 Vanderbilt employees and their family members enjoyed wonderful weather and participated in fun activities at this year’s Employee Appreciation Day at Dyer event. Read More

The Dyer Observers Space Science Camps support middle school students in their exploration of science, math, engineering and technology and open their minds to future career possibilities in these fields. Spots are still available for the camp for rising fifth- and sixth-graders scheduled for July 8-12, and financial aid is available. Read More

Employee Appreciation is partnering with the Division of Government and Community Relations to host a free event at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory for university employees and their families. Scheduled during the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 21, from noon to 4 p.m., the event will feature activities focused on science, technology, engineering, math and astronomy. Read More

A “Day at Dyer” is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 10, from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature fun activities for both children and adults. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is located atop one of Nashville’s tallest peaks surrounded by scenic Radnor Lake State Park in a beautiful natural setting. Read More

Employee Appreciation invites you to enjoy an afternoon at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory on Friday, Aug. 10. Dyer team members will provide physics experiments and solar telescopes. The free event is open to university employees and their families. Read More