Free public observations are currently offered on Thursday and Friday evenings (weather permitting).
The observatory will open only when there is a clear view of the night sky.
Seasonal Viewing Hours
March - May: 9:00 - 10:00 PM
June - July: 9:30 - 10:30 PM
August - October: 8:30 - 10:00 PM
November - February: 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Please note: The Observatory IS NOT climate controlled. Please dress appropriately to adapt to current conditions.
The line to the telescope will be cut off 15 minutes prior to closing time, to enable all viewing to be completed by the scheduled closing time.
Please call 1/2 hour before opening time on the day of your visit for observatory updates: 678-874-7102
The Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory at Fernbank Science Center houses a 0.9 meter (36-inch) Cassegrain reflector beneath a 10 meter (30 ft.) dome. This is one of the largest instruments ever dedicated to education and public viewing.
Possible targets for this Month's Viewing (all dependent on seeing conditions):
Venus
Abireo - Double Star
Arcturus - Red Giant star
Ring Nebula (M57) - Planetary Nebula
M13 - Globular Cluster in Hercules
Fernbank is located in a large metro area, which is not optimal for viewing astronomical objects outside of the Solar System.
The Bortle Scale is a scale from 1-9, indicating how easily celestial objects can be seen through light pollution.
Atlanta is a Bortle 8/9, while Brasstown Bald Mountain is a Bortle 4. For truly dark skies near Atlanta, you can travel to Stephen Foster State Park in SE Georgia (Bortle 2) or to The Pisgah National Forest in NC (Bortle 2-4).
Fernbank Observatory Clear Sky Chart / Forecast (Conditions may change)
NASA What's Up?
Mon - Wed: 12 PM - 4 PM
Th - Fri: 12 PM - 10 PM
Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM
P: 678-874-7102
F: 678-874-7110
FSCinfo@dekalbschoolsga.org
156 Heaton Park Drive
Atlanta, GA 30307