Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Georgia has an impressive number of observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.
For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Georgia that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in February 2022. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.
Bradley Observatory
Decatur, GA 30030 - 404-471- 6368
The Bradley Observatory was dedicated on June 3rd, 1950, and was named in honor of William C. and Sarah Hall Bradley. This observatory is part of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. William Calder, the founder, hosted open nights on Fridays through the 1950s, making it a popular place for visitors.
Image Credit: Observatory of Agnes Scott College
Telescopes
The Bradley Observatory is home to the 20” Lewis H. Beck telescope, which was built in 1947. This telescope was the largest telescope in Georgia and the Southeast for 20 years after it was built.
Visiting
The observatory is open to the public for visits and tours. They are set up to accommodate groups of twenty or more people. The tours are given during the academic school year, September through April, and times depend on volunteer availability.
The tour is one hour and consists of a planetarium show, a visit to the telescope, and a talk on the plaza which has a scaled-down version of the solar system built into the pavers. There is a small fee of $2 per person for the tours and is expected in advance. The Open House Series, an event open to the public and dictated by the observatory calendar, is free.
Hard Labor Creek Observatory
2010 Fairplay Rd. Rutledge, GA 30633
This observatory is in the middle of Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia. This observatory acts as a resource for professional and amateur astronomers. Moreover, the Hard Labor Creek Observatory (HLCO) has a new mission to bring the wonders of the Universe to Georgia residents.
Image Credit: Georgia State University
Telescopes
There are three notable telescopes housed at the HLCO: The Miller Telescope which is a plane Wave 24” Corrected Dall-Kirkham Astrograph Telescope, The McAlister Telescope which is an RC Optics 20” Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope, and a Celestron 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope.
Visiting
The HLCO is open to the public one Saturday each month from March to October. These tours and observations start 30 minutes after sunset and last two hours. If the weather is unfavorable, the facility will still be open for a tour and a small slideshows. Reservations are not required, though groups of more than twenty people should call in advance to confirm visit times.
WestRock Observatory
701 Front Ave. Columbus, GA 31901 - 706-649-1470
The WestRock Observatory was established specifically for astronomy outreach. It is part of the Coca-Cola Space Center in Columbus, Georgia.
Image Credit: GoAstronomy.com
Telescopes
The telescopes at the WestRock Observatory are a Meade 16” LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a fleet of portable telescopes used for public astronomy programs.
Visiting
There are several special programs that the observatory offers the public. This includes regular public observing sessions, where major astronomical events are covered as well as access to the CCD imaging cameras and video devices granted to astronomers and students. The observatory is open Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm; Friday, 10 am to 8 pm; and is closed on Sundays.
North Georgia College Observatory
3000 Dawsonville Hwy, Dahlonega, GA 30533 - 706-867-2037
This observatory is part of the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia.
Image Credit: North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
Visiting
The North Georgia College Observatory is open to the general public for Observatory-Planetarium Public Education Nights (the OPEN Program). This celestial viewing event takes place every Friday at 9:30 pm (if the weather allows) and begins after the free OPEN Program planetarium show.
Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory
156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307 - 678-874-7102
This observatory is in Atlanta, Georgia. It operates within the Fernbank Science Center.
Telescope
This observatory is home to a 36” Cassegrain reflector, the largest telescope in the southeastern United States, and one of the largest instruments ever dedicated to education and public viewing.
Visiting
The Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory is open to the public, free of charge, every Thursday and Friday from 9 pm to 10:30 pm (if the weather permits).
University of Georgia Observatory
Sanford Dr, Athens, GA 30602 - 706-542-2485
The University of Georgia Observatory is part of the University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. It is in Athens, Georgia.
Image Credit: North Georgia Astronomical Observatory
Visiting
If weather permits, the Observatory will host a viewing of a variety of astronomical objects through the observatory’s telescope. If it is a cloudy night, there will be a short talk on an astronomical topic instead. Interested visitors should check the schedule for upcoming public open houses.
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
This Article was Last Updated on 08/17/2023
