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Dyer

Dyer

Astronomy Events at Dyer

TICKETS TO ALL ASTRONOMY EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

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. Suggested for ages 8 and up.

Tickets are available one month before each event at noon. This is a clear or cloudy event, therefore there are no refunds or exchanges. $5+ticketing fees.

MEET THE ASTRONOMER

This series features an astronomer or scientist who will discuss a topic of current interest and includes Q&A. Telescope viewings follow when weather permits. Recommended for ages 12 and up unless otherwise noted.

Tickets are available approximately one month before each event. $5+ticketing fees.

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. Reservations are required.

Check our website monthly for NEW upcoming dates. FREE

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Events subject to change. Check dates and times when ticketing.

All events require tickets.

NO tickets are sold at the door.

TICKETS TO ALL ASTRONOMY EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

Check our website for NEW event announcements and follow us on Eventbrite.

FAQs

Are there minimum age requirements to enter an event?

All ages are welcome to any event, but we recommend age 8 and up because of the mature nature of the exhibits and fragility of the instruments. View each event listing for specific age suggestions.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

We have a large gravel parking lot in front of the observatory. There is no fee to park. We have parking attendants on hand to direct you to a spot for large events. Rideshare services are welcome.

What can I bring into the event?

Curiosity! We also encourage a camera for taking photos which you may share to social media @dyerobservers. We ask that you not bring in food or drinks. DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN TELESCOPES.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may message us through Eventbrite or email dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu

What’s the refund policy?

Due to our fixed costs, we cannot offer refunds, but you may invite someone else to use your name at the gate for entry if you are unable to attend.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just give the name(s) you registered under for entry. We will have a guest list at the gate.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?

Yes. Please give the name(s) the ticket was registered under when checking in at the gate.

Is a dress code?

We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably. We suggest closed-toe shoes for walking through the gravel parking lot. As the main dome is not heated/cooled, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibit area is climate controlled.

What do you offer scouts?

We do not have a program specifically geared to badges.

The only evening option we have for attendees 8 and up is Telescope Night. We have one most months, and the times vary because of varying sunset times—early spring and late fall have earlier start times. Students 12 and up might enjoy a Meet the Astronomer talk. Each month is a different topic and the talk is followed by a telescope viewing when skies are clear.

You may wish to consider a daytime visit by signing up for a free tour or arranging a field trip. When skies are clear, the solar telescope is a lot of fun to view through and sometimes a star or planet is visible in the big Seyfert Telescope. Tours will be added to Eventbrite as they become available. You may arrange a field trip on this page: https://dyer.vanderbilt.edu/teacher-resources/dyer-observatory-field-trip-program/

For ticketed events, you may wish to sign up for the entire troop or have each family sign up for their own tickets. All of each year’s evening events are posted on our Eventbrite page in February. Tours and special events are added throughout the year, so check back!!!

PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL EVENTS…

  • Because this is a historic museum setting, we ask attendees to be mindful of the delicate nature of our exhibits and equipment.
  • The Seyfert Telescope is located on the second floor of the observatory. There are twenty steps leading to the second floor.
  • For the safety of observatory guests, closed-toe footwear should be worn.
  • Vehicles larger than a standard-size school bus will not fit through the gate.
  • You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
  • Alert the parking attendant at the gate if you have special parking needs.
  • If your plans change and you can not attend, please let us know so we may release the space to someone else.