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 OmniStar Digital Projection system. Planetarium shows include interactive sky tours exploring constellations and planets, followed by a stellar full dome production on a wide range of astronomical topics.

December Planetarium Shows

As Winter approaches, nights are getting longer providing excellent stargazing opportunities. Visit the Trackman Planetarium to learn all about our current night sky and upcoming celestial events. Explore cosmic curiosities, experience the wonders of the Universe, and embrace the stars at JJC. Planetarium shows are free to attend. All ages welcome!

✮ SHOWS BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

✧ Tuesday, December 3 ✧
“Mysteries of Your Brain” This show is an immersive look into the complex organ that makes you you! An animated adventure following a curious girl and her crow companion to visualize the system of neurons, synapses, nerves that drive your senses, motion, and thinking. Compare the differences between the human brain and various animal brains. A kid-friendly and colorful view into how the brain works.

✧ Thursday, December 5 ✧
“Cosmic Origins: Spectrograph” An instrument aboard the Hubble Space Telescope examines ultraviolet light and peers into the darkness of deep space. This full dome show is a colorful journey into the depth of the cosmic web – revealing the mysterious origins of our universe. COS helps us understand the evolution of the cosmos and what it looked like billions of years ago. Glimpse into galaxies, quasars, black holes, supernova, and more!

✧ Tuesday, December 10 ✧
“5,000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI” reveals the latest discoveries being made by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). This stunning new full dome film investigates what drives the expansion of the cosmos as DESI’s 5,000 robotic “eyes” create the most detailed map of our universe.

✧ Thursday, December 12 ✧
“Stars to Starfish” Explore our universe – From the immensity of the Cosmos to the depths of the Oceans. Embark on a voyage through space and time from the Big Bang to the birthplace of life, our oceans. This planetarium show features brilliant astrophotography and stunning underwater videography into the deep.

✧ Tuesday, December 17 ✧
“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.

✧ Thursday, December 19 ✧
“Christmas Starlight” Explore the wonders of the Christmas sky. Find seasonal constellations, dazzling planets, and famous wintertime asterisms like the Great Northern Cross, the Heavenly Manger, and the Shepard’s Star. A journey 2,000 years into the past to discern the history and mystery of the Star of Bethlehem.

✧ Tuesday, December 24 ✧
Closed for the holidays

✧ Thursday, December 26 ✧
Closed for the holidays

✧ Monday, December 30 at 5pm ✧ special holiday hours
“Music Under the Stars” Full dome music videos including Elton John, Queen, Marillion, and more! This show will include a live tour of the night sky before we immerse in a symphony of timeless tunes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the classics!

✧ Tuesday, December 31 ✧
Closed for New Year’s Eve

Come back next month for January's show schedule...

About the JJC Planetarium

The public is invited to visit the Trackman Planetarium located in F-1001 on the Main Campus of Joliet Junior College. We have 55 theatre-style seats available in the dome and no registration is required to attend. Free events are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7pm.

Interested in booking a field trip to the Trackman Planetarium? We are currently offering field trip opportunities on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the 2024-2025 school year! These free, unique presentations are curated to the grade level and understanding of your students. Prepare for a stellar journey exploring the fields of science, mythology, history, and more. 

Joliet Junior College welcomes all social and community organizations to schedule planetarium programs for their members. Private presentations are available during daytime school hours or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

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