This small family-friendly museum is home to one of the largest public telescopes in the country, perfect for a spectacular view of the universe around us.
The Fernbank Science Center is a museum and educational facility that aims to bring a sense of adventure into science. Learn about the wonders of space, and view planets and stars millions of light-years away, marvel at dinosaur skeletons and get up close to a whole host of fascinating creatures.
The exhibit hall is spread over two floors – the top floor houses the permanent collection, whilst different temporary exhibitions occupy the bottom floor. Marvel at ancient fossils and fearsome dinosaur skulls, tektites (glass formed when meteorites hit earth), rocks and minerals. There are also a number of interactive exhibits which explain key scientific concepts, such as gravity and electricity. One of the highlights of this exhibition is the space capsule from the Apollo 6 mission, including original footage of the last unmanned Apollo rocket taking off.
Don’t miss the live animals exhibit, always popular with children. See poison dart frogs, spiders, snakes, turtles and more, all kept safely behind glass. You’ll even get a detailed view of a functioning beehive. The hive sits in a specially constructed glass case within the external wall of the building, so it is visible from the inside, but the bees can fly freely.
The centre’s planetarium sits at the heart of the facility. You’ll be immersed in the magic of the universe thanks to the state-of-the-art projector system and full-dome special effects. Visit the official website for the current schedule of shows, which may include a fantastical trip to a future moon colony, or real-life images from Saturn.
On Thursdays and Fridays stay until after dark to observe the stars and planets through the powerful telescope, the largest in the south-eastern United states, in the Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory. An expert astronomer will be available to position the telescope and answer all of your questions.
The Fernbank Science Center is located on the edge of Fernbank Forest, to the east of midtown Atlanta. Free on-site parking is available, or you can travel by bus from the city centre. Admission is free.
