Parade of Planets Telescope Night

Special Planet Parade Telescope Night. Vanderbilt University Dyer Observatory will open its doors and domes so you may view our unique exhibits, engage with astronomers, and gaze at planets. The format is "open house" so you may arrive and depart any time during your time slot. Suggested for ages 8 and up.

Telescope viewing depends on clear skies. WE WILL CANCEL IF VIEWING IS ANTICIPATED TO BE POOR, and all ticket holders will receive a notification and refund via email. The rain date is Jan 31. You may buy separate tickets for that date. Transfers are not possible.

Vanderbilt students may get free tickets. Please email @[email protected] from your vanderbilt.edu email to get the code. You must do this before tickets go on sale or sell out.

All planets are visible in the first time slot, but some will drift below the treeline as the evening goes on. Still an amazing sight!

Please read carefully:

• You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
• Because this is a historic museum setting, we ask attendees to be mindful of the delicate nature of our exhibits and equipment and watch your children carefully. No running or climbing is permitted anywhere on the grounds or in the building.
• Dress for the weather because the telescopes are in an open dome and outside. Closed-toe footwear is suggested because of gravel on the grounds and on the roof.
• The roof is delicate. Please do not play with the gravel or drag your feet through it. Damage can easily occur.
• If your plans change and you cannot attend, you may invite someone you know to use your tickets/names for entry OR notify observatory staff to release your ticket for others.
• 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 other guests and do not hold up the line with photos through the telescope. With the attendant's permission, you may attempt a photo after the line clears.
• Because this is Vanderbilt University property, firearms and smoking are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Accessibility:

• The exhibits on the main floor are easily accessible.
• The Seyfert Telescope is on the second floor and is only accessible by twenty steps, split by a large landing.
• Please let us know when you get your tickets if someone in your group cannot climb the stairs, so we may attempt to make some accommodation with another telescope if skies are clear enough for viewing.
• Notify the gate attendant if you have special parking needs.
• There is ample seating in the library for resting.

Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 (NOT on the main Vanderbilt campus)

Cost: $5 plus handling fees. Each person must have their own reservation. Infants do not require tickets.

There is a limit of 10 tickets per order, but you may create another order to buy more tickets.

NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

-----FAQs-----

Can I get a refund if I can't come?

Yes, you may log in and take care of it until the day before, but Eventbrite will NOT refund its portion of the ticket cost.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

All ages are welcome, but we recommend age 8 and up because of the mature nature of the exhibits, fragility of the instruments, and lengths of the lines.

What are my transportation/parking options?

We have a large gravel parking lot in front of the observatory. There is no fee to park. We have parking attendants on hand to direct you to a spot. Ride share services are welcome.

How may I register a large group?

PUBLIC ATTENDEES: We do not have a way to register large groups and collect payment. You may have one person from your group order all of the tickets while registration is open or have each member of your group register individually. Please note that tickets sell out quickly, sometimes within hours, so plan accordingly.

VANDERBILT ATTENDEES: Please contact us BEFORE registration opens to discuss entry options.

What can I bring?

Curiosity! We also encourage a camera for taking photos which you may share to social media @dyerobservers. We ask that you not bring in food or drinks. DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN TELESCOPES.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may message us through Eventbrite or email [email protected]

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just give the name(s) you registered under for entry. We will have a guest list at the gate.

Do you have free tickets?

We charge a small entry fee to cover our staff, supplies, and parking costs, but if the cost is burden to you or your family, we welcome you to contact us so we may arrange acommodation. Please contact us before registration opens if at all possible. Vanderbilt students may contact us for a promo code for free entry. Please email us before the event to get the code.

We also are frequently asked if there is a dress code. We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably. We suggest closed-toe shoes for walking through the gravel parking lot and on the roof. As the telescope domes are not heated/cooled, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibit area in the main building is climate controlled.

Dyer Observatory photo by Dyer Observatory Director Dr. Billy Teets

student promo code active

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood, United States