Visiting Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
We offer tours, telescope nights, meet the astronomer evenings, Bluebird on the Mountain concerts, and
more!
ALL visits to Dyer must be during a ticketed event. CLICK HERE for our ticketing page. You may follow us on Eventbrite to be notified when NEW tickets are posted.
CLICK HERE to download our public event calendar, but check back for additional events that will pop up during the year! Also, scroll down this page for information and ticket links to partner events.
We regret that we cannot accommodate drop-in visitors at this time.
2023 Space Summer Camps
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory will hold summer space science camps July 10-14 for rising 5th-6th graders and July 17-21 for rising 7th-8th graders. Visit our summer camp webpage for more program and registration information.
The focus of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory’s camp is astronomy and space science. 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.
The Dyer Observers Space Science Camp supports the curiosity of students who are serious about exploring the worlds of science, math, and technology, plus presents future career possibilities in these fields. Campers are inspired by live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and interacting with astronomers who are respected researchers and seasoned instructors. Participation in group activities builds self-confidence, problem-solving ability, and social skills.
The highlight of the week is a journey to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL for a day-long adventure.
2023 Bluebird on the Mountain Season
Car passes (that allow up to 8 people in your car entry) are available one month ahead of each show at noon. Visit our concert page for more details and schedule.
Enjoy our Newsletter
Inside The Dyer Observer, written by our own Dr. Billy Teets, you will find updates about Dyer Observatory and its upcoming events, engaging articles highlighting exciting astronomy news, a monthly sky map, an exciting 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.
Our April issue continues the “The year of Barnard” as we learn more about Edward Emerson Barnard’s accomplishments, the latest “wows!” from Hubble and Webb, a down-to-Earth “Image of the Month,” and more!
Opera on the Mountain – Saturday, June 10
Pack your picnic basket, choose your favorite bottle of bubbly, and join us for a perfect evening of song
and sky-gazing on our gorgeous green grounds. Relax with friends as Nashville Opera artists offer up fun opera and musical-theatre favorites. After, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze at the cosmos through Dyer’s grand telescope. A perennial family-friendly favorite, rain or shine, Opera on the Mountain sells out every year!
Tickets available May 8 on the Nashville Opera website. CLICK HERE.
Have an Event 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.
Please 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. For information on how to send a check, please visit this page.
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! 
View a fun talk by Dr. Erika Grundstrom where she discusses fun and rewarding “Community Science” opportunities for students and adults of all ages. It’s true that almost anyone can contribute to research from the comfort of their home! Interests from galaxies to bird watching are included.
Click here to access our video lecture page.
Click here to visit our YouTube Playlist that features past and upcoming videos.
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
1000 Oman Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027 (not on the main campus)
(615) 373-4897
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.