Public Star Party with Dyer and BSAS

We're excited to announce a new series! Dyer Observatory and BSAS are teaming up for a series of star parties in Middle Tennessee.
Join us for an expert-guided telescope viewing of planets, galaxies, nebulae and more. FREE and open to everyone—bring friends and family to observe winter gems like the Moon, Jupiter, Orion Nebula, Pleiades, Andromeda Galaxy and others!

--- Driving Directions ---

From I-40: Take exit 199, Old Hickory Boulevard. If coming from I-40W, take a right at the bottom of the exit ramp onto OHB; if coming from I-40E, take a left onto OHB. Travel through Bellevue on OHB about 3-4 miles. OHB will dead-end into Highway 100. Take a left onto Highway 100 and travel to the next stop light at Old Hickory Boulevard. Take a right onto OHB and travel over the hill to the next stop light at Vaughn Road. You will see baseball fields ahead on the right and the Steeplechase ahead on the left. Take a right onto Vaughn Road. Take the very next left into the Special Events Field in Edwin Warner Park (less than .25 mile). Proceed slowly, park in the lot next to the ballpark and the picnic pavillion. Telescopes are set up on the paved area on the other side of the pavillion. Look for the red lights.

From I-65: Take the Old Hickory Boulevard WEST exit in Brentwood. Travel OHB through Brentwood for about 15-20 minutes. After passing through the light at Chickering Road, note Christ Presbyterian on the left and Harpeth Hills Golf Course on the right. At the next light, take a left onto Vaughn Road. You will have just passed baseball fields on the left and the Steeplechase on the right. Take the very next left into the Special Events Field in Edwin Warner Park (less than .25 mile). Proceed slowly, park in the lot next to the ballpark and the picnic pavillion. Telescopes are set up on the paved area on the other side of the pavillion. Look for the red lights.

--- FAQs ---

Should I still come if it is cloudy or bad weather, and what is the cancellation policy?

The weather can be very tricky to predict sometimes. If it appears that there will be heavy cloud cover and/or rain, we will cancel the event. A cancellation notice will be posted by noon on the event date on the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory homepage, the BSAS homepage, and those who registered for the free tickets will receive an email notification from Eventbrite. If it looks like we will have a good chance of at least some telescope viewing, the event will still be a go.

What are the parking options?

There is a large paved parking lot next to the ballpark and the picnic pavillion. Telescopes are set up on the paved area on the other side of the pavillion. Look for the red lights. There is no fee to park. Rideshares are welcomed.

What can I bring?

Curiosity! Everyone is welcome, kids and adults alike. You're welcome to bring a telescope but you don't have to, just bring your enthusiasim for space and astrononmy!

What is the dress code. We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably and for the weather because the event is outside. Closed-toe footwear is also suggested for safety.

Can I take photos? Please be considerate of other guests and do not hold up the line with photos through the telescope. With the telescope attendant's permission, you may attempt a photo after the line clears. You and members of your group understand that we may take photos that include you for social media or other uses and that we cannot prevent you from being photographed by others. Please be considerate of flash photography when guests are observing through telescopes.

The Elephant Trunk Nebula photo above by Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory resident astronomer Dr. Billy Teets

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Host or Publisher Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory