Most would agree that the hilltop located at 1000 Oman Drive is a special place. Crowning one of Nashvilles tallest peaks, Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is a Tennessee treasure. Surrounded by scenic Radnor Lake State Park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dyers telescopes have pointed toward the sky since 1953. Vanderbilt University has a long and respected tradition of astronomy. Our first Chancellor, Landon Garland, was a professor of Physics and Astronomy. Many of the Universitys original 1875 astronomical instruments and artifacts are housed at Dyer. Also proudly displayed among the historical items is the engraved pocket watch of the famous astronomer E.E. Barnard, presented to him for the discovery of the fifth moon of Jupiter. Galileo discovered the first four. Read more
Bluebird on the Mountain at Dyer Observatory set for July 16
Bluebird on the Mountain continues with the third concert of the series on Saturday, July 16. Singer-songwriters Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch, Tony Arata and instrumentalist Jelly Roll Johnson will perform at Vanderbilt's Dyer Observatory at 8 p.m. Gates will open at 6. Read more
Dyer Observatory to host 'Opera on the Mountain' May 15 - Vanderbilt University
Nashville Opera and Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory are joining forces to present a unique evening of operatic music and star-gazing on Saturday, May 15. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. but doors will open at 6. The concert will take place in the observatory's patio tent and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and beverages. Read more
Galileo night at Dyer Observatory Galileo looked through a telescope for the first time 400 years ago. The goal of the global "100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project" was to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did from April 2 to 5. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory participated in the project by offering people a chance to view the stars on Saturday, April 4.