Family Earth and Sky Night

Family Earth and Sky Night on Saturday, April 29, 2023

In partnership with the Astronomy Club of Augusta, South Aiken High School Astronomy Club, DuPont Planetarium, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center,
and University of South Carolina Aiken

Join us at the Ruth Patrick Science Center (RPSEC) at the University of South Carolina Aiken for a fun-filled evening as we celebrate Family Earth and Sky Night. Events include planetarium shows, hands-on activities, night-sky viewing, and viewing utilizing the Bechtel Telescope.

Hands-On Activities

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  FREE

Various hands-on activities will be available from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. to allow people to experience the wonders of earth and space science. Many activities will have materials you can take home to remember this wonderful night. Live animals, including snakes, turtles, alligators, and owls, will be displayed. 

Night-Sky Viewing

8:30 – 10:30 p.m. – FREE

Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will host naked-eye, binocular, and telescope observations of the moon, planets, and stars this evening on the lawn. Bring a blanket, towel, or reclining lounge chair! There will be an opportunity to get comfortable and observe the night sky. People can stand or lie back and observe the stars appear as our patch of Earth turns away from the Sun.  

Club members will have several telescopes set up on the RPSEC lawn. Take advantage of this opportunity to see sky objects, understand our night sky, and learn about the models available for amateur astronomers. The Bechtel Telescope in the RPSEC Observatory will also be available for viewing the sky's wonders. For safety, we will project the telescopic images to large screens. 

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Admission Fees and Ticket Availability

Shows are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available during Earth & Sky Night. Reservations are not available for shows this evening. Limited seating is available. Normal rates apply. Ticket prices are as follows:

Note: Children under 4 are not admitted to the planetarium but are welcome at the other activities.