Astronomy Events

The Dyer Observatory hosts a variety of astronomy events throughout the year including Telescope Nights, Meet the Astronomer Evenings, and Daytime Open House Tours. All visits require a ticket.

Dyer's Seyfert Telescope pointed to the outside night sky

Telescope Nights

Dyer Observatory telescopes will be set up for gazing, and the observatory will be open for viewing exhibits and speaking with astronomers. The format is “open house” so you may arrive and depart any time during the event. There will not be a formal talk/program on these nights unless otherwise noted.

Age Recommendation: 8+

Tickets are available one month before each event at noon. Occasionally, more tickets are released a day or two before each event if weather and staffing allow. This is a clear or cloudy event, therefore there are no refunds or exchanges.

Vanderbilt's Dr. Bob O'Dell pondering the universe

Meet the Astronomer Evenings

Our signature event! Browse our exhibits, enjoy an astronomy talk with Q&A, and view the sky through the historic Seyfert Telescope (when weather allows).

Age Recommendation: 12+ unless otherwise noted.

Tickets are available approximately one month before each event. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST if it is sold out--we frequently release tickets if weather allows us to move it to the large tented patio with the jumbo screen. The waitlist will be notified by email if tickets become available.

Watch Past Astronomy Lectures

The Dyer Observatory Library with its famous Hubble model hanging in the dome

Daytime Open House Tours

Tours last about an hour and a half. You will be guided through the inside of the observatory to learn about its history and gain some astronomical knowledge through our exhibits. On some dates, a planet or an especially bright star is in position to be seen through the historic Seyfert Telescope in the main dome, or we may offer a viewing through the solar telescope.

Age Recommendation: Teens and adults due to the length of the tour, delicate nature of the instruments, and depth of astronomy teaching.

This event is free but reservations are required. These are not on a regular schedule, so check our ticketing page from time to time or follow us on Eventbrite for new event notifications.