Fernbank Visitors Look Toward the African Skies

One of Atlanta’s best kept secret sits in a quite ordinary neighborhood where young families walk their dogs for a leisurely afternoon stroll.  However, if you follow the brown signs that say, “Fernbank Planetarium,” you will find a new inspiration to star gaze. 

is one of the few places you can go to sit back, relax and learn about the stars in the sky. 

During Black History Month, Fernbank Planetarium is presenting “African Skies," which explains how ancient civilization of Africa studied the stars before modern technology of telescopes and computers.  In fact, stories are told about the different arrangement of stars which make up constellations.  

“It’s astronomy in Africa the way people have done it for thousands of years,” said Fernbank astronomer April Whitt.

The presentation shows how people from different areas of the African continents used the sky for measuring time, creating calendars and even forecasting when the Nile River will flood.   

African skies is a show that adults and children can both enjoy together.  “It’s pretty cool, really good”, said first time goers Derek Jones and 10-year-old Nicholas Phillips of Florida. 

Although many people are tightening up entertainment budgets, the Planetarium is a fairly inexpensive outing for families.  Admission for adults is $4 and children are $3.  After the show the science center offers exhibits ranging from a live Bee hive to reptiles like the Blue Tongue Skink. 

Keith Williams and Jessica Robinson both on a date together, slowly explored the science center’s collection of meteorites.

“You can’t beat $4”, said Williams, an Atlanta resident.

African Skies will show through February, during the week and on Saturdays.  Check Fernbanks Science Center’s website online for dates and show times. 

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