Public Star Party with Dyer and BSAS

Dyer Observatory and the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society (BSAS) have joined forces to bring the excitement of the cosmos to Middle Tennessee!

Our series of events includes an expert-guided telescope viewing of planets, galaxies, nebulae and more. FREE and open to everyone—bring friends and family to observe spring gems like the Moon, Jupiter, Pinwheel Galaxy, Star Clusters, Iris Nebula and more!

--- Driving Directions ---

From I-65/Briley Parkway: Coming from the south, after Trinity Lane use the left 2 lanes to exit on I-24. Take exit 43, Briley Parkway/TN 155 west. Continue for about 6 miles, then take exit 24 for TN-12N / Ashland City Highway. Keep right to go toward Ashland City. In 2.7 miles, take a left at the light onto Old Hickory Blvd. Continue on Old Hickory for 4.5 miles.

The "first rock" sign for Bells Bend is for the mountain bike trail parking, continue on to the next rock sign and gate into the Outdoor Center parking lot.

Coming from the north: Exit I-65 at Briley Parkway west, to Ashland City Highway.
From I-40 in Bellevue: Take exit 204A Briley Parkway / TN-155N. Go 4.7 miles to exit 24 / TN-12 toward Ashland City. In 2.7 miles, take a left at the light onto Old Hickory Blvd. Continue on Old Hickory for 4.5 miles.

The "first rock" sign for Bells Bend is for the mountain bike trail parking, continue on to the next rock sign and gate into the Outdoor Center parking lot.

--- 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?

Please park in the Outdoor Center parking lots.

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.

I can't make this one. Will there be more?

Yes! There will be additional dates for more Star Parties. Follow us on social, check our website, and/or subscribe to the Dyer newsletter to stay in the loop.

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Host or Publisher Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory