The planetarium at Fernbank Science Center is a celestial theater in the round, utilizing the complex Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector in conjunction with SPITZ SciDome 4K Laser projection system. These technologies collectively create a stunning immersive environment, which guide the audience through the wonders of the universe. The 70-ft diameter planetarium, one of the largest in the United States, is dedicated to teaching and public enrichment.
Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take viewers on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.
While learning about eclipses, the ice age, Earth's water cycle and differences between the Earth and Moon, the audience is taken on a roller-coaster-like ride through canyons of raging rivers and hot flowing lava.
Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth.
The famous astronomer Carl Sagan once said: “If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” Though that may sound crazy, Sagan was onto something BIG! Learn the cosmic recipes that created everything in our world – even us!
If you could take the ultimate space vacation, where would you go? In “Perfect Little Planet,” a family from another star system is doing just that — looking for the perfect vacation spot as they travel through our solar system. Join them and see the solar system from a distinctly different point of view.
The Aurora is one of the greatest wonders a human can experience in nature. Experience the actual aurora with the world’s first 4K, real-time, full dome video.
Explore the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions. Discover why the Sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Explore the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases, eclipses, and past and future space travel to our Moon and beyond.
Fifty years ago, President Kennedy chose to go to the Moon. Narrated completely by astronauts Scott Parazynski, Tom Jones and Gene Cernan, and famous space reporter Walter Cronkite, the program makes human space flight after the Space Shuttle exciting, immersive, and real!
One of the most asked questions about the Universe is “How big is it?” and it is one of the hardest to answer. BIG tackles this question and does so by taking the audience on an immersive journey to bring a really BIG subject down to Earth.
The Aurora is one of the greatest wonders a human can experience in nature. Experience the actual aurora with the world’s first 4K, real-time, full dome video.
Black Holes takes you on a fully immersive journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole.
Presented live by a Fernbank Science Center astronomer, this is a guided tour through the constellations, planets, and events of the current evening sky.
Planetarium and Observatory Contacts
April Whitt- Astronomer
april.whitt@fernbank.edu
Mark Lancaster - Astronomer
mark.lancaster@fernbank.edu
Scott Harris - Planetary Geologist, Meterorites
scott.harris@fernbank.edu
