Monday 23rd of November 2009
Outreach Programs PDF Print E-mail
We're passionate about astronomy, science and space exploration. After visiting Dyer Observatory, we hope you will be too! Public outreach is essential to our mission, and we accomplish this by opening the observatory to individuals and many organizations.

Exploration/Stellar Nights

Exploration/Stellar Nights – special lectures and programs geared for teens and adults, and “Kids Exploration/Stellar Nights” for children ages 6-12.  These events typically feature a speaker followed by a telescope viewing, weather permitting.  Exploration/Stellar Nights are cancelled only in the case of severe weather.  Reservations are required.  Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.  Scheduled nights are March 20, April 4, May 22, August 4, September 18, and November 6.  For additional information or to make reservations, please go to calendar.

 

Open House Telescope Nights

Open House Telescope Nights - Second Friday of every month from March through November (except April).  Free.  Reservations are not required. The Dyer telescopes will be open for viewing.  If cloudy we will be open for "ask an astronomer" and observatory tours.  Nights are March 13, April 4, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9 and November 13.  Start times vary -- please see our calendar for details go to calendar.
 
 

School Visits

School Visits – One of the Observatory’s missions is to interest students in the exciting career fields of science and engineering.  Locally, hundreds of children are thrilled as the see the sun, moon, planets and stars first hand during visits to Dyer Observatory.

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is a wonderful place to bring students for a daytime field trip.  We can tailor a program which enhances the science/astronomy curriculum in a number of ways. Students can listen to an astronomy expert talk about various subjects followed by a question and answer session; they can tour the Observatory’s dome and main telescope; participate in viewing the sun through the solar telescope and/or visit the recently-built Star Chamber.   A typical field trip lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is free to all middle Tennessee students. Observatory field trips are recommended for children in grades three and above. The latest math and science report card shows that students in the United States are still well behind their counterparts in many Asian and European nations.  Our goal is to turn these standings around by helping to inspire student interest in science and astronomy.

Please contact Lynn McDonald to schedule a school tour:  615-373-4897 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 

Community Programs

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is a wonderful place for a daytime community program for groups of 12 or more.  We can tailor a program which enhances the science/astronomy curriculum in a number of ways.  Adult learners can listen to an astronomy expert talk about various subjects followed by a question and answer session; they can tour the Observatory’s dome and main telescope; participate in viewing the sun through the solar telescope and/or visit the recently-built Star Chamber.  A typical group community program lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and is $5 per person.

Please contact Lynn McDonald to schedule a program or tour for your group of 12 or more:  615-373-4897 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 October 2009 16:51 )