Earth And Sky Night

Family Earth & Sky Night

Family Earth & Sky Night on Saturday, April 25, 2026

Hosted by Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the DuPont Planetarium, the University of South Carolina Aiken, and the Astronomy Club of Augusta (ACA).

Celebrate National Astronomy Day and Earth Day with an evening of fun and learning at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center.

Hands-On Activities

6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – FREE

A variety of free, hands-on activities will be offered from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.  Explore the wonders of earth and space science, make items to take home, and interact with live animals such as snakes, turtles, alligators, and owls.

Outdoor Observing

8:30 – 10:30 p.m. – FREE

Once it gets dark, the observatory will open for viewing through the Bechtel Telescope, and amateur astronomers will set up other telescopes on the lawn. Weather permitting Saturn and the crescent Moon will be visible as will the Pleiades and Beehive Star Clusters. Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta will orient you to the night sky: naked-eye, binocular, and telescopic.  They will help you find many fascinating heavenly bodies with their telescopes or with your own. This is a good opportunity to learn the most important constellations and stars, and how to star hop from one to another.

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. 

Weather

Family Earth and Sky Night will be held rain or shine.  Plan to bring friends and family no matter what the weather!