Summer solstice, the official start of summer and longest day of the year, falls at 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, June 21. The best place in Nashville to report on astronomy events is the , located at one of the highest points in Nashville. Rocky Alvey, assistant director of ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵ Dyer Observatory, can explain the significance of summer solstice using the observatory’s Star Chamber anytime on June 21, especially if the day is sunny. The Star Chamber is a spiral limestone sculpture that acts like a giant camera, reflecting the sky on the floor of its interior. It also functions as one of the world’s most unique sundials.
WHAT: Summer solstice interview opportunity
WHERE: ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵ Dyer Observatory, 1000 Oman Drive, off Granny White Pike between Old Hickory Boulevard and Otter Creek Road, near Radnor Lake.
WHEN: Thursday, June 21
Media Contact:Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu