Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Vanderbilt University has a long and respected tradition of astronomy. Vanderbilt University’s first Chancellor, Landon Garland, was a professor of Physics and Astronomy, and many of the university’s 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 and first director of the Vanderbilt University Observatory, Edward Emerson Barnard. He was presented the watch for the discovery of the fifth moon of Jupiter 282 years after Galileo Galilei discovered the first four. In order to inspire student and public interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and astronomy, the observatory offers many activities such as summer camps, teacher workshops, Telescope Nights, tours, and special lectures with world-class scientists. Dyer team members bring physics experiments and solar telescopes to classrooms and community events around the mid-state area. Dyer partners with the Vanderbilt Physics and Astronomy department and with organizations such as NASA and STScI to connect Dyer’s outreach efforts with the space research programs they sponsor.