In addition to the general public visiting Dyer during regularly scheduled events each month, Dyer seizes every opportunity to get members of the Vanderbilt community up to our historic observatory. After numerous reschedulings due to inclement weather, we were delighted to be able to host a fun evening for many of Peabody’s Humphrey fellows on March 6. Nearly a dozen fellows toured the observatory with director Dr. Billy Teets for an in-depth look at many of the unique exhibits while learning about topics ranging from Dyer’s history to how stars are born, live, and die.
The timing of the visit also provided some unique viewing opportunities with Dyer’s Seyfert Telescope. While the sky was still fairly bright with the glow of dusk, the fellows observed the Moon and the elusive “Lunar X,” a feature formed by three lunar craters that is only visible for a few hours each month. In addition, the crescent phase of Venus and Jupiter, along with its four large moons, wowed the crowd.
The Humphrey Fellowship program brings accomplished educational leaders from developing nations and emerging democracies to the United States for an academic year to study, gain related professional experience, build their leadership capacity and foster mutual understanding. The program provides a basis for lasting ties between US citizens and the Fellows while strengthening the global exchange of knowledge and expertise. Humphrey Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or the private sector.