Observatory has new focus, interim director

by Jessica Howard

Vanderbilt's Arthur J. Dyer Observatory, located on one of Nashville's highest points south of campus, will be taking on a new mission and leadership, University officials have announced.

Thanks to advances in astronomy research, which make it possible for scholars to access high-powered telescopes via the Internet, the 52-year-old Vanderbilt facility off Granny White Pike is shifting its emphasis to science education and public outreach, and, as part of the transition, has moved from the College of Arts and Science to the Division of Public Affairs.

In addition, Rick Chappell, director of science and research communications in Public Affairs and research professor of physics and astronomy, has been named interim director of the Dyer Observatory. Chappell succeeds Douglas Hall, recently retired professor of physics and astronomy, who served as director for 16 years.

"The Dyer Observatory is a unique place in which we can use Vanderbilt's academic expertise and resources to develop the public understanding of astronomy and space science," said Michael J. Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs. "We will look to partner with community organizations to enhance the learning opportunities for students of all ages."

Chappell, the former chief scientist of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., said he plans to "develop programs which utilize the excitement of astronomy and space exploration to interest students in science and engineering careers."

"It's a real jewel, a very special sanctuary that's tucked away atop a mountain in Green Hills," he said. "Dyer has been a special place for many people who have grown up in Nashville."

Since its opening 1953, Dyer has hosted thousands of visitors through school tours, public observation nights and other community-programs.

Chappell is also working to increase the number of programs for the public and school children by bolstering existing partnerships with the Cumberland Science Museum, Tennessee State University, the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society and others.

He also plans to seek out opportunities to work with NASA and the National Science Foundation to connect Dyer's outreach efforts with the space research programs that they sponsor.

A Vanderbilt graduate who earned his doctorate from Rice University, Chappell served as the mission scientist for the joint European and American shuttle mission, Spacelab 1, from 1976 to 1985. He has published more than 150 scientific articles, and was twice awarded the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement.

Vanderbilt's original observatory was located on the main campus and was named after Edward Emerson Barnard, a noted astronomer and one of Vanderbilt's earliest students.

The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in physics and astronomy through the College of Arts and Science.