Atlanta to host National Astronomy Day events Saturday

Astronomers from across the Peach State will celebrate National Astronomy Day on Saturday, a day set aside to promote interest with children and adults in the study of our universe.

Sponsored by Astronomy magazine and Celestron telescopes, Astronomy Day will feature several observatories and museums across America participating in science themed activities, including two museums right here in metro Atlanta.

Near Decatur, the Fernbank Science Center will host family activities from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Planetarium shows scheduled include The Sky Tonight at 11:00 a.m., which includes a guided tour through the constellations and planets by a live astronomer.

Here Comes the Sun program begins at 1:30 p.m., and is geared for the children as it answers basic question about Earth's closest star.

And, The Planets will start at 3:00 p.m., and features a dynamic voyage across the solar system narrated by actress Kate Mulgrew.

Visit Fernbank's Web site for detail information and for directions.

Across town and thirty minutes northwest of Atlanta in Cartersville, the Tellus Science Museum will celebrate the celestial party.

Tellus will host astronomy and science related events from 10:00 a.m. thru 11:00 p.m., and will include solar observations during the day and night time skywatching after sunset.

Noted Tellus chief astronomer David Dundee will narrate a program Star Walks live during two shows at 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Be sure to bring a camera and the family to both locations for fun activities and historic items in the two museums, including Fernbank's Apollo 6 space craft and a full scale replica of the Wright Brother's flyer at Tellus.

You can visit the Tellus Science Museum's web site for visitor information to plan your trip.

If you live in south Georgia and cannot make it to metro Atlanta, local backyard parties maybe just around the corner from you.

Parents and children can share wonderful memories together in their own yard with a telescope and an interest in star gazing. These shared moments will become exciting memories of their childhood in which their education will build upon.