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Who knew there were so many places to see the stars in Atlanta. Here is a round-up for amateur astronomers or those of us who just like to look at the pretty night sky.
Georgia Tech Observatory
Georgia Tech has an observatory that is open to the public on certain nights, weather permitting. The Public Nights are contingent on clear weather, and it will be canceled if there are too many clouds, so check the website, www.astronomy.gatech.edu before you go. Upcoming public observation nights are:
Nov. 19, 7 – 10 pm, Jupiter
Jan. 21, 7 – 10 pm, Moon
Feb. 25, 7 – 10 pm, Moon, Mars
Mar. 25, 9 – 10 pm, Moon, Mars, Saturn
Apr. 22, 9 – 11 pm, Moon, Mars, Saturn
Cost: FREE
Fernbank Science Center
The Fernbank Observatory houses the largest telescope in the southeastern United States. Free public observations are offered every Thursday and Friday evening from 9 pm (or dark) until 10:30 pm (weather permitting). There is an astronomer available as well to position the telescope and answer questions.
Cost: FREE
Georgia Perimeter College Observatory
Visitors can attend a monthly Open House at Georgia Perimeter College’s Observatory. The Open House is the second Saturday of every month unless it rains. Visitors can also make an appointment for viewing anytime. Instructions are on the website. This is a working scientific laboratory, so there is no heat, bathrooms or refreshments.
Cost: FREE
Chattahoochee Nature Center
For a more structured program, join Emory astronomer and supernova hunter, Alex Langoussis, in observing the night sky on on Sat. Nov. 7 from 8 – 10 pm. Learn how to locate specific stars, and handy tricks and tips to enjoy star gazing even more. Bring binoculars for a better look. Hand held Planispheres included in class fee.
Cost: $20 per person, ages 16+
As the wife of a local astronomer, make sure you check out Hard Labor Creek Observatory once it starts to warm back up. It's further out (rutledge) but worth the drive, the sky is so clear out their. Plus it's in Hard Labor Creek Park, so you can spend the day picnicing and the night observing the stars. Their are even campgrounds and cottages at the park. The astronomers have also been known to help with scout badges upon advance request.
http://www.chara.gsu.edu/HLCO/
Thanks Kristy. I'll do that.
[...] Free observatories and star gazing nights – this would actually make a good date night [...]