Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory, Atlanta

About Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory

The Dr. Ralph Buice, Jr. Observatory at Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta houses a 0.9 meter Cassegrain reflector telescope beneath a 10 meter dome, one of the largest instruments dedicated to education and public viewing. Visitors look through the telescope at celestial objects including double stars, red giant stars, planetary nebulae, globular clusters, the moon, and Saturn, depending on seasonal availability and clear skies. Free public observations occur on Thursday and Friday evenings when weather permits, with seasonal viewing hours published on the venue's site. The observatory operates without climate control, so visitors should dress for outdoor conditions. The line to the telescope closes fifteen minutes before the scheduled end time. Callers can phone ahead approximately half an hour before opening to confirm that clear skies allow the observatory to open. The facility suits anyone interested in observing the night sky through professional-grade equipment.