Visiting Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
We offer tours, telescope nights, meet the astronomer evenings, Nashville Opera and Bluebird on the Mountain concerts, and more!
ALL visits to Dyer must be during a ticketed event. Visit our Eventbrite ticketing page to see what’s coming up. Each listing gives the sale date plus many details about each event.
Revisit our website and ticketing page throughout the year for additional events that may pop up. Join the thousands who follow us on Eventbrite so you immediately hear about new events! Follow our social media (links at bottom of the page) to keep up with events we hold throughout the community.
- Visit our 2024 Bluebird on the Mountain page for concert and ticketing updates.
- We offer field trips for 3rd grade and up the months we are open.
- Summer camps for rising 5-8 grades will be held in July.
Prepare for the Spectacle
If you were in totality for the 2017 eclipse, you already know how special the April 8 eclipse will be! Nashville won’t quite experience a total solar eclipse this time around, but the Moon’s 95% coverage of the Sun will be remarkable. We urge those who can travel to pick a few spots on the path of totality, fill the gas tank, and watch the weather. The spectacle will pass as close as three hours away, making an easy day trip. We won’t see another total solar eclipse cross the U.S. until 2045! Dyer Observatory will be closed on eclipse day so that staff may travel to totality.
- Download our flyer with the basics, QR codes that link you to all the details, and a fun puzzle on the back you can do with a pencil or online!
- Visit our All About Eclipses page with Dr. Billy’s info on the mechanics of eclipses and critical safety info. In Nashville, and any other area that is not in totality, it NOT safe to look at the Sun at any time during the eclipse.
- Visit timeanddate.com and set it to your location for specific times and coverage.
- This NASA page offers general info.
- Visit Dr. Billy’s complete eclipse guide that explains eclipses; what to look for before, during, and after the event; and provides critical safety information.
And…Prep your eclipse vocabulary with this fun online wordsearch.
LIVESTREAM DR. BILLY’S MARCH 28 ECLIPSE TALK AT 7PM CT
Our own Dr. Billy Teets will discuss the upcoming total solar eclipse that will sweep through the region on April 8, 2024. He will include the celestial mechanics of the event; what to look for before, during, and after the eclipse; how to safely view the phenomenon; and offer tips of where to be and when.
To enable chat, view the livestream directly on YouTube.
2024 Space science summer camps
Our camps focus on astronomy and space science and will be held the weeks of July 8 and 15 for rising 5th-8th graders. Campers learn how scientists discover the secrets of the universe from exotic black holes to the nature of light through demonstrations and hands-on activities. The camp curriculum was created by an expert team of astronomy professionals, space scientists, and area science teachers
Visit our camp page for updated information.
Monthly Astro Calendar
Check this page every month for upcoming events and to take a look back at fascinating dates in aerospace and science history. Download a PNG to spiff up any electronic device, print a high-quality PDF, or choose a smaller JPG for easy sharing. DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR
Be “in the know” with our Newsletter
Inside The Dyer Observer, created and written by our own Dr. Billy Teets, you will find updates about Dyer Observatory and its events, engaging articles highlighting exciting astronomy news, a monthly sky map, an intriguing image of the month, and more!
This newsletter is quite different from many others you have seen, for a key feature is its ability to have images, links, AND animations built right into it. No need to install any special software or even download the newsletter — everything will be displayed on your computer or smart device from within your web browser.
Don’t miss out–Access past issues and join our email list to receive future issues automatically!
WOW Your guests at Dyer
Crowning one of Nashville’s tallest peaks, Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory offers park-like grounds, distinctive spaces, and celestial viewing–making us an exceptional venue for social and business events.
Visit our Rentals page for more photos and information. Your rental fees help fund Dyer Observatory outreach efforts. Thank you!
Support Dyer Observatory
Our staff is committed to welcoming everyone to the top of our hill to learn about the wonders of the cosmos–not only through our telescopes, but with field trips, tours, lectures, summer camps, and special programming. All are offered to the public at low or no cost. Visitors may also enjoy our special vantage point of Earth itself, under a serene treed canopy and in the company of abundant wildlife.
Please consider helping us fulfill our mission with a donation. Any amount would make a world of difference.
Visit this page to DONATE and get more information.
Enjoy Dyer’s educational resources at home
Visit our Educational Resources tab to access organized pages with links to lessons, opportunities to sign up for newsletters, interactive online tools, and our fun Quiz and Puzzle page!
Access our video lecture page.
Visit our YouTube Playlist that features past videos.
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
1000 Oman Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027 (not on the main campus)
phone: (615) 373-4897 email: dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu
We are closed to visitors the months of December, January, and February. We may be available for rentals during those times. Staff can be reached during the months we are closed.
Click below to follow @dyerobservers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.