Exploring the Stars at Oglethorpe University Planetarium in Atlanta

The Oglethorpe University Planetarium is one of Atlanta’s smaller, but most charming, science destinations for families, school groups, and anyone curious about the night sky. Tucked inside Oglethorpe’s campus in Brookhaven, it offers an intimate way to experience astronomy without leaving the city.

Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for an educational outing, this planetarium can be a rewarding stop—especially if you plan ahead.

Where the Oglethorpe University Planetarium Is and How It Fits into Atlanta’s Science Scene

The Oglethorpe University Planetarium is located on the Oglethorpe University campus in Brookhaven, just north of Buckhead:

Approximate location:
4484 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
(Oglethorpe University main campus)

It sits inside the Cousins Center for Science and Innovation (or a nearby science building, depending on current campus layout), which houses classrooms and labs for physics and astronomy. The planetarium isn’t a giant, stand-alone facility like some large-city science museums; it’s a campus-based teaching planetarium designed primarily for:

• Oglethorpe students in astronomy and physics courses
• Visiting school groups
• Occasional public programs and special events

In the context of Atlanta’s zoos, aquariums, and science centers, Oglethorpe’s planetarium is a great complement to:

• Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium (larger dome, DeKalb County Schools–focused, also offers public shows)
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (giant screen theater and science exhibits)
• Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville (a bit of a drive, but popular for its planetarium and observatory)

If you’re designing a full “science day” with kids, the Oglethorpe planetarium can be one stop on a broader tour of Atlanta’s science-focused attractions.

What to Expect: Size, Atmosphere, and Type of Shows

The Oglethorpe University Planetarium is cozy and academic rather than theme-park style. That’s part of its appeal.

Dome and seating

• Small dome compared to larger city planetariums
• Limited seating, often in rows of fixed chairs or reclining seats
• A more personal, classroom-like feel where presenters can interact directly with the audience

Because of the size, reservations or early arrival are often important when public events are offered.

Types of programs you might find

Exact offerings change from year to year, but visitors commonly encounter:

• Live star talks – A presenter uses the digital projector to show the current Atlanta night sky, point out constellations, and explain how to find planets.
• Themed shows – Topics like black holes, galaxies, the history of space exploration, or “tour of the solar system” programs.
• Campus or community events – Astronomy evenings tied to eclipses, planetary alignments, or meteor showers. These may combine a planetarium show with outdoor telescope viewing.

Because this is a university facility, many shows are:

• Educationally focused
• Geared toward middle school, high school, and curious adults
• Still accessible for upper-elementary kids, especially those already interested in space

Public Access: Can Anyone Visit?

The most important thing for Atlanta visitors to understand is that the Oglethorpe University Planetarium is not a daily walk-in attraction like Zoo Atlanta or Georgia Aquarium.

Common access patterns

In most years, the planetarium is used for:

• University classes during the week
• Pre-arranged school or community group visits
• Occasional public shows, often in the evenings or on specific dates

Because offerings can change with faculty schedules, equipment upgrades, or semester calendars, it’s best to verify current access before you go.

How to check what’s available

To find out what the planetarium is offering in a given semester:

• Visit the Oglethorpe University website and look for pages related to:
  • Physics and astronomy
  • Planetarium or public events
• Check the campus events calendar for “planetarium show” or “astronomy night” listings.
• If you’re planning for a school, homeschool, or scout group, contact the Oglethorpe University physics/astronomy department or the general campus information line and ask about group planetarium visits.

When calling or emailing, helpful details to provide include:

• Approximate group size
• Age range (elementary, middle, high school, adults)
• Several preferred date and time windows
• Your interest (general night-sky show, solar system, special topic)

Typical Planetarium Experience for Atlanta Families

If you manage to attend a public program, here’s what a typical visit might look like.

Arrival and check-in

• Parking:
  • Oglethorpe’s campus has surface lots and possibly a parking deck.
  • Visitor parking policies can vary, so check the university’s parking guidance.
• Campus navigation:
  • Campus buildings can feel a bit maze-like if you’re new to them.
  • Leave extra time to find the science building housing the planetarium.
• Check-in:
  • Some events are ticketed or require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served.
  • When available, reserving seats ahead of time is wise, especially for families.

Inside the dome

You can expect:

• A brief intro from a professor or student presenter
• The lights to dim as the domed ceiling transforms into a night sky
• A mix of:
  • Narrated visuals (stars, planets, galaxies)
  • Explanations tailored to Atlanta, often mentioning what you can see from local skies
  • Occasional time for questions

Planetarium seats can feel exciting for young kids, but it’s worth preparing younger children:

• The room will get very dark.
• Shows are usually 20–45 minutes.
• Asking kids to whisper and stay seated helps everyone enjoy the experience.

Is It Good for Kids? Age and Family Friendliness

Yes, if the show is age-appropriate and your kids are ready to sit through a presentation.

Good fits

• Curious elementary students who like space books or science videos
• Middle and high school students studying astronomy or Earth science
• Teens considering STEM majors, who might also enjoy walking the college campus

Things to consider

• Some shows may be geared toward older students, with more technical explanations.
• Very young children (toddlers and preschoolers) may:
  • Be unsettled by the darkness
  • Have difficulty sitting still for the whole show

When shows are announced, descriptions often mention age recommendations. If you’re unsure, contacting the department or event organizer is the simplest way to confirm whether a given program is kid-friendly.

Planning a Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans

Here are key points to consider if you’re adding the Oglethorpe University Planetarium to your Atlanta plans.

Timing and scheduling

• 🔭 Check the semester calendar. Universities slow down during summer, winter break, and exam periods, which can affect show schedules.
• 📅 Look for special events. Eclipses, notable meteor showers, and major NASA missions sometimes inspire special public programs.
• ⏰ Arrive early. Planetarium doors often close right at showtime to avoid light disrupting the projection.

Cost

Fees vary depending on the event:

• Some university planetarium shows are free to the public, especially lectures or special events.
• Others might request a small suggested donation or charge a modest per-person fee for group visits.

Always confirm current pricing when you reserve or before you leave home.

What to bring (and not bring)

• ✅ Light sweater or jacket (planetariums can feel cool)
• ✅ Questions – presenters often enjoy audience curiosity
• ❌ Flashlights or bright phone screens (they can ruin night vision and disrupt the show)
• ❌ Food and drinks, unless the event specifically allows them

Oglethorpe University Planetarium vs. Other Atlanta Options

If you’re comparing science-based, kid-friendly destinations in the Atlanta area, it helps to see how the Oglethorpe planetarium fits in:

For Atlanta residents, Oglethorpe can be a nice local option, especially if you live in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Buckhead, or nearby neighborhoods and want a smaller-scale experience.

Making It a Full Outing Around Brookhaven

Since the planetarium visit itself may last under an hour, many Atlanta families pair it with nearby activities:

• Campus stroll: Oglethorpe’s architecture has a distinctive, almost castle-like style that can be fun to walk around.
• Parks:
  • Blackburn Park and Murphey Candler Park in Brookhaven are good for playgrounds and walking trails.
• Food:
  • Peachtree Road and nearby Dresden Drive have a range of casual restaurants and cafes suitable for kids or student budgets.

This can turn a planetarium show into a half-day outing that feels both educational and relaxed.

How to Move Forward If You Want to Visit

Here’s a simple action plan if you’re in Atlanta and want to experience the Oglethorpe University Planetarium:

1. Decide what you’re looking for

   • Family-friendly public show?
   • School or scout group visit?
   • More advanced astronomy talk?

2. Check Oglethorpe’s official information

   • Look for any current planetarium or astronomy event listings.
   • Confirm whether shows are public, ticketed, or by reservation only.

3. Contact the university if needed

   • Use the main Oglethorpe University phone number or departmental contact to ask:
     • If there are upcoming public programs
     • How to book a group visit
     • What ages a specific show is best for

4. Plan arrival logistics

   • Confirm parking location and rules.
   • Give yourself extra time to find the building and settle in.

By approaching it as a planned, scheduled visit rather than a walk-up attraction, Atlanta residents and visitors can enjoy the Oglethorpe University Planetarium as a unique, local window into the universe.