Ferbank science center planetarium shos and schedules

Fernbank Science Center
PLANETARIUM SHOWS AND SCHEDULES

Please Note: offerings vary through the year - please call or check our 
This Week web page.

ADULT PROGRAMS

VISIONS OF MARS (Adult program: September 3 - November 26, 2003)
Join us on a quest to explore one of the most splendid objects in the 
Solar System, the red planet, Mars! The planet shines in the evening sky 
more brilliantly than it has over the past millennia. You’ll delight as 
you gaze upon giant impact basins, colossal canyons, and fabulous 
volcanoes. Learn about the latest robot vehicles currently on their way 
to Mars. In addition, a tour of the autumn constellation will be included.
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:00 p.m. and
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

SEASON OF LIGHT (Adult program: November 28 - December 28, 2003)
Get in the holiday spirit, as we tour the winter constellations and 
explain the seasons on Earth. We’ll also explore possible astronomical 
explanations for a "Star over Bethlehem." Was it a comet, meteor or 
supernova?
Showtimes:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m., and
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m., and
Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 3:00 p.m.
Note: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 3:00 p.m. only.

SKIES OF 2004 (Adult program: December 30, 2003 - January 16, 2004)
Join Fernbank astronomers as they lead us through the events to be seen 
in the heavens this year. Eclipses, meteor showers, planets and 
constellations highlight the skies of 2004.
Showtimes:
Starts on Tuesday Dec. 30, at 8:00 p.m. and in January,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

AFRICAN EYES, AFRICAN SKIES (Adult program: January 21 - February 29, 2004)
Thousands of years ago, the people of Africa were astronomers. From 
northern Egypt to the southern tip of the continent, they mapped the 
sky, followed the phases of the moon, and charted their seasons by the 
sun’s position on the horizon. Come share their knowledge and see the 
stars through African eyes.
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Closed February 16, 2004


FAMILY PROGRAMS

THE FRIENDLY STARS (Family program: September 27 - November 23, 2003)
Here’s an introduction to the sky for our youngest visitors. Come talk 
to our day time star Sol, name the planets in orbit around the sun, and 
find some of his brothers and sisters in the night time sky.
Showtimes:
Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

WINTER STAR (Family program: November 28 - December 28, 2003)
Come observe the season of lights with us, from lights in the day and 
night skies to lights here on the ground. Locate some seasonal 
constellations and join us in singing the song of that bright-nosed 
reindeer!
Showtimes:
Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

AFRICAN STORY BOOK (Family program: February 7 - March 14, 2004) The 
stars of a winter’s night tell many stories of times long ago. Come join 
us as we open the storybook of African lore and legends of the sky.
Showtimes:
Saturday & Sunday: 1:30 p.m.


ONGOING PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS, YEAR-ROUND

THE SKY TONIGHT (11:00 a.m. Saturday mornings, except December)
Presented live by Fernbank astronomers, these are guided tours through 
the constellations, planets and events of the current evening sky.

ASTRONOMY UPDATE (8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, except December)
What's up? Fernbank astronomers will fill you in on the latest 
discoveries and information, with a guided exploration of the starry 
night skies of the planetarium.

THE STAFF
Fernbank astronomers, backed up by an experienced technical staff, 
operate the observatory, write and produce new planetarium programs each 
year and are available to answer questions from the public and the media.

THE OBSERVATORY
Fernbank's 36-inch reflecting telescope is fitted with a full array of 
electronic enhancements. It is used for research, education, and is open 
to the public on many clear Thursday and Friday evenings.
Please call or check our This Week web page.

THE PLANETARIUM
The planetarium is a celestial theater in the round, utilizing the 
complex Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector and a variety of 
special-effects projectors to guide the audience through the wonders of 
the universe. The 70-foot diameter planetarium, one of the largest in 
the United States, is dedicated to teaching and public enrichment.

PLEASE NOTE: Planetarium doors open 15 minutes prior to each scheduled 
performance. Admission (or readmission) after a program has begun is not 
possible. Regular programs last approximately 45 minutes and children's 
programs last approximately 30 minutes.

An adult must accompany children under 12 years of age. The regular 
adult programs are not appropriate for children under five. The family 
programs are designed for people of all ages; children under five are 
warmly welcomed!

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for public performances.
The management reserves the right to change programs without prior notice.

ADMISSION FOR ADULT PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS
Adults $4.00
Students $3.00
Seniors $3.00

ADMISSION FOR FAMILY PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS
$2.00 for all

FREE AND REDUCED PLANETARIUM ADMISSION
ASTC Passport members (with card): Free
DeKalb School System employees (with id): Free
Friends of Fernbank members (with card): Free
Planetary Society members: Discount

Admission prices and policies are subject to change.

SCHOOL GROUPS
School planetarium programs on a variety of grade-specific levels are 
given during the school year. Group rates are available. Please contact 
the Scheduler at 678-874-7102.

RENTALS
The planetarium theatre, the exhibit halls and the meeting rooms are 
available for private or corporate bookings. Please contact the Special 
Events Coordinator at 678-874-7131.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES
As a courtesy to Friends of Fernbank Members, the Science Center offers 
children's Birthday Party opportunities on selected dates for a small 
fee. The service includes a meeting room and admission to the Family 
Planetarium Show. For available dates and times call the Scheduler at 
678-874-7102. To become a member, call 404-929-6340.

FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER CLOSED
August 30 - September 1, 2003
November 27, 2003
December 25 - 26, 2003
December 31, 2003
January 1, 2004
January 17 - 19, 2004
February 16, 2004
May 31, 2004
July 4 - 5, 2004

The Center's recorded information line is 678-874-7100
The receptionist and switchboard is 678-874-7102
The Public Relations office is 678-874-7131