The Jim Cherry Memorial 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.
Ticketing: We are excited to be transitioning to contactless ticketing!
Visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets to the planetarium in advance. Free planetarium tickets are available at the door for DCSD employees (with ID). Discounts for military personnel, ASTC members and college students are also available at the door with proper ID.
Please check our calendar for show schedules
This planetarium show explores the relationship between Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions. Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science.
Black Holes takes you on a journey through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a Black Hole. Where do they come from? Where do they go? How do we find them? Is there one on Earth's horizon? What are supermassive black holes? What is "spaghettification?"
Children will love this show as they learn about our solar system through the eyes of a family of aliens on vacation from another solar system.
The Aurora is the greatest wonder a human can experience in nature. Now, you can experience the actual aurora with the world’s first 4K real-time video.
NASA’s 21st century Artemis program is the next step in our mission to explore the universe and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon.
Asteroid: Mission Extreme takes audiences on an epic journey to discover the potential that asteroids present to facilitate manned space travel. Through stunning visuals and state of the art computer graphics, the film will present the fascinating idea, based on real science, that asteroids could be used as stepping stones to other worlds, veritable “way stations” in space enabling us to cross the entire Solar System.
Presented live by a Fernbank astronomer, these shows are guided tours through the constellations, planets, events of the current evening sky and more!
The Sky Tonight - Thursdays at 7:00 PM
The PLANET-arium Show - Fridays at 7:00 PM
Presented live by a Fernbank astronomer, this is a guided tour of our solar system.
Set on the surface of the Moon in the year 2081, a grandfather and granddaughter watch a solar eclipse from scenic cliffs overlooking their moon colony. Conversation leads to contrasts between the moon, the only home the granddaughter knows, and the Earth, where the grandfather has spent most of his life.
50 years ago the first human walked on the moon… discover the story behind this historic moment which will inspire the next generation of explorers and dreamers
Explore centers around the motive of human travel to Mars, but the show presents and explains much broader selection of science including history of astronomy, geocentric and heliocentric models, Kepler laws of planetary motion or orbital maneuvers.
Throughout Earth’s violent history, impacts from comets and asteroids have mercilessly shaped its surface. The ancient barrage continues today; from harmless meteors – those brilliant streaks in the night sky -- to mountain sized boulders wandering perilously close to Earth.
From the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights. Be immersed and overwhelmed with this most accurate historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps into space.
Live in the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium
June 30, 2022
Schedule (All Times EDT)
10:00 AM - Firefall! The story of Comets, Meteors, Asteroids and NEOs
11:00 AM - Asteroid Mission Extreme narrated by Sigourney Weaver
1:00 PM - Impact Earth! narrated by by NASA astronaut Tom Jones
2:00 PM - Incoming! narrated by George Takei
3:00 PM - Firefall! The story of Comets, Meteors, Asteroids and NEOs
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Asteroid Day Special Presentation: Asteroid and Comet Collisions with the Earth. Presented by FSC Planetary Geologist R. Scott Harris. This presentation includes the planetarium show Incoming! narrated by George Takei
All Shows Regular Admission Price
The Live At-Home virtual planetarium shows ARE BACK! New shows are presented on Fridays at 6:00 PM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM.
Please visit our facebook page for show times and details.
Please visit our video archives to watch or re-watch recorded LIVE! At-Home Planetarium Shows. Each show is unique, representing a variety of astronomical topics, and features distinguished guests from around the country.
Dr. Scott Harris - Planetary Geologist and Meteorites
Scott_Harris@dekalbschoolsga.org
Mark Lancaster - Astronomer
J._Lancaster@dekalbschoolsga.org
Lauren Albin - Astronomer
lauren_albin@dekalbschoolsga.org
