The Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory is located in northeastern Atlanta, Georgia, and run by the Fernbank Science Center. Situated at an altitude of 323 m (1060 feet), the observatory houses a 36-inch (0.9-meter) Cassegrain reflector beneath a 30-foot (10-meter) dome. This is one of the largest instruments dedicated to education and public viewing. Free public observations are offered every Thursday and Friday evening from 9 p.m. (or dark) until 10:30 p.m. (weather permitting). An astronomer is available to position the telescope and answer questions. A fellow star gazer reports: “Wonderful observatory. Informative astronomers.”

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.