Herbert Trackman Planetarium

Dedicated to continuing its tradition of outstanding astronomical instruction and entertainment since 1973! The Trackman Planetarium features a 30' diameter dome and a state-of-the-art digital projection system. Planetarium shows include interactive sky tours exploring constellations and planets, followed by a stellar full dome production.

November Planetarium Shows

As Autumn endures, the nights grow longer and darker. November skies feature celestial marvels like dazzling constellations, a Supermoon, meteor showers, and flyby comets! Discover it all at the Trackman Planetarium, where you can explore the universe, unlock cosmic curiosities, and experience the wonders of the stars. Come see what’s shining above JJC. Your journey through the cosmos begins here.

Planetarium shows are free to attend. All ages welcome!

✮ ALL SHOWS ARE HELD 6:00-7:00p.m. ✮
 

 ✧ Tuesday, November 4
“Europe to the Stars” takes viewers on an epic journey into the Cosmos. This stunning full dome film brings us inside the most powerful telescopes on Earth – giving us a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe. Go behind the scenes of the most advanced observatory in the world. Investigate the science, technology, and people that make space exploration possible at the European Southern Observatory.

✧ Thursday, November 6
“The International Space Station: Off the Earth, for the Earth, & Beyond” Take a trip into Low Earth Orbit aboard the ISS, humanity’s home in space. Discover benefits of NASA Space Station research, track its trajectory in the night sky and decipher its role in the development of technology, space exploration, and our future.

✧ Tuesday, November 11
The Planetarium will be CLOSED on November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. 
Thank you to all who served!

✧ Thursday, November 13
“Worlds of Curiosity” explores some of the greatest “what if?” questions of the universe. What would it be like to live on an Earth with no Moon? What if Earth was tilted on its side like Uranus? What would it take to terraform Mars? This full dome film is a fantastic production for Minecraft lovers and strongly engages creative mode imagination. A great show for kids!

✧ Tuesday, November 18
“Khrumka and the Magic Rocket” In a fairy tale forest far away, two friends search for a magic rocket in the woods. Embark on a cosmic adventure through our solar system. Explore the Sun, Moon, and planets up close, dodge the asteroids in the Asteroid Belt, and fly through the rings of Saturn. An award-winning, fun-filled show for younger audiences and an excellent presentation for the whole family!

✧ Thursday, November 20
“Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” Embark on a monumental journey to the Red Planet – rewriting what is possible for human space exploration and breaking barriers of technological advancement. Take a look into ongoing efforts toward the next mission to Mars, the challenges astronauts will face, and what humanity’s future might look like on the martian surface. An excellent show for all ages!

✧ Tuesday, November 25
“One Sky Project” A cultural journey through time. The stars we observe today are the very same stars admired by our most ancient ancestors – and they created grande stories in the skies. This film transcends these tales and retells them with beautiful artistry. Culture, history, and indigenous Astronomy meet to connect Earth, the sky, and humanity. An international collaboration bringing together the short stories of Orion and Artemis, the Navajo Thunderbird, Jai Singh’s Dream, the Celestial Canoe, the Samurai and the Stars, and Hawaiian Wayfinders.

✧ Thursday, November 27
The Trackman Planetarium will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving.
 We wish you and your families a special holiday! Join us next week for another cosmic adventure. 

Come back next month for the December show schedule...

About the JJC Planetarium

You're invited to explore the Universe at JJC's Trackman Planetarium! 

Located in Room F-1001 on Joliet Junior College's Main Campus, the Trackman Planetarium welcomes the public to experience the wonders of the cosmos. Our 55-seat, theatre-style dome offers an immersive environment where science comes to life. No registration required. 
Join us for free public shows every Tuesday and Thursday evening 6:00-7:00p.m. (unless otherwise noted). 

Interested in booking a field trip for your school? JJC's Trackman Planetarium makes learning about science FUN and memorable. JJC field trip opportunities are held on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all year long! These free, unique presentations are tailored to your students' grade level and designed to align with classroom curriculum. Prepare for a stellar journey covering topics from science and mythology to history, literature, art, anatomy, and beyond. A trip to the Trackman offers an unforgettable learning experience in a unique one-of-a-kind setting.
 Space is limited. Reserve your spot early!

Private group presentations are also available during field trip hours or select Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Whether you're a Scout troop, library, day care, senior center, special needs facility, church, or lifelong learner organization, we offer engaging, private shows that inspire curiosity and spark discovery. 

✮ Contact fieldtripcoordinator@jjc.edu or call (815) 280-2601 for more information ✮