For the Locals: Dyer Observatory

Do you want something cool and free to do? Months ago I registered for the Dyer Observatory free night. We took the kids last night and had a great time. They had multiple telescopes (huge and small) to look through and see the stars around us. At each telescope there were astronomers to tell you what you were looking at. Make sure you check out the cool library while you are there.

If you are local, it is located not far from the Brentwood exit off of 65. It is very easy to get to and my GPS took me straight there. Apparently it is very popular and you have to make reservations months in advance. So when reservations for the next year open up, I recommend signing up early. When you arrive, you will be checked off of a list before you can even park (free as well). October is a great month to go as the weather is usually great during this time of year.

Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory is free and open to the public March through November during monthly Open House Telescope Nights and Open House Days.

Open House Telescope Nights feature access to the Dyer Telescope when the weather is clear and an astronomer is on-hand to answer questions. If the weather is cloudy, the observatory will still be open for tours and an “ask an astronomer” session.

The Open House Telescope Nights are held from 7 to 9 p.m. the second Friday of every month and the second Thursday of the month during the summer. They are free of charge, but reservations are required HERE (see form at bottom of page).