Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Summer in Nashville is the perfect time to explore the city’s dynamic cultural scene. Vanderbilt University is proud to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations that provide activities and events throughout the season. From lively music festivals to bustling art markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  Read More

From arts to athletics to education and innovation, Vanderbilt has been a driving force in helping shape an ever-evolving Nashville into a dynamic, world-influencing city. Read More

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

To mark Vanderbilt's Sesquicentennial year, the 100th anniversary of the passing of E.E. Barnard (Vanderbilt Observatory's first director) and the 70th anniversary of Dyer Observatory, Billy Teets, current director of Dyer, offers his advice on how to become as passionate about the stars as Barnard was. Read More

This school year, immerse yourself in the vibrant Nashville community. There’s something for everyone. 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

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

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

Even turkeys can’t resist a good photobombing op. Read More

In 1960, a brazen thief stole a prized meteorite on display at Vanderbilt's observatory and then replaced it with a painted clay replica. The thief was apprehended, but the meteorite has yet to be returned. Read More