Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is a special place of learning tucked high atop one of the tallest peaks near Nashville. Here, both school children and the public are introduced to the wonders of astronomy and space exploration.

One of the observatory's missions is to interest students in the exciting career fields of science and engineering. To this end, the observatory has installed an Internet-capable videoconferencing unit, allowing an impressive network of astronomy experts and former astronauts to interact with students in real time inside classrooms nationwide.

Locally, hundreds of children are thrilled as they see the sun, moon, planets, and stars firsthand during telescope viewings. Each year Dyer hosts thousands of visitors through school tours, observation nights, scout events and other community programs. These groups have access to Dyer's extensive astronomy library as well as a computer center featuring astronomy software, and a mission control center where telescopes around the country are controlled robotically.

The observatory also partners with organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation to connect Dyer's outreach efforts with the space research programs they sponsor.