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.

March Planetarium Shows

As Spring approaches, we excite in the appearance of new seasonal constellations, visible planets, a total lunar eclipse, and more! 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!

✮ SEE DATE FOR SHOWTIMES


✧ Tuesday, March 4 at 6pm
“Accidental Astronauts: An Earth, Sun, Moon Adventure” follows the journey of robo-friends Cy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong as they hop aboard a rocket ship and travel to the Sun. Along the way, they explore asteroids, craters on the Moon, and observe our home planet Earth. Join us on an epic adventure to learn more about the upcoming lunar eclipse. 

 

✧ Thursday, March 6 at 6pm
“Larry Cat in Space” – A classic planetarium production! Take off on a fun-filled adventure to the Moon with a sneaky cat, Larry. Experience zero gravity, walk across the lunar surface, and look back at our home planet. A delightful cartoon for kids! Come explore the wonders of the upcoming lunar eclipse. 

 

✧ “Friday, March 7 at 1:30pm | Lunar Mania! *
“Apollo’s Legacy: Rocks from the Moon” – The Apollo program’s lunar landings gave humanity a glimpse into scientific data about the Moon. This full dome production reflects on those missions and gives an inside look into the Moon’s chemical composition. Learn more about the heavily cratered surface, its violent formation, lunar eclipses from space, and see what else is up in the night sky this week. This special Friday matinee is held in partnership with the Joliet Junior College Library! *


✧ Tuesday, March 11 at 1:30pm *
“Voyage to Distant Worlds” takes place aboard a spacecraft that can travel faster than the speed of light. Take an immersive tour of objects in our solar system – from the Sun to the outermost regions of our solar system, beyond the Kuiper belt. Get a detailed glimpse of the upcoming lunar eclipse and embark on a space adventure for all ages!


✧ Wednesday, March 12 at 3pm | Lunar Mania! *
“Forward! To the Moon” NASA’s Artemis program is the next giant leap on the mission to the Moon!  See the similarities between Apollo & Artemis, hear the perspectives of mission astronauts, and investigate what it takes to travel safely 240,000 miles from home (and back). This full dome production gives us a glimpse into what a sustainable future on the lunar surface might look like. Narrator Kari Byron of Myth Busters and Crash Test World launches us on a voyage beyond Earth and into the next chapter of human space exploration. This special Wednesday Matinee is held in partnership with the Joliet Junior College Library! *


✧ Thursday, March 13 at 6pm
“Forward! To the Moon” NASA’s Artemis program is the next giant leap on the mission to the Moon!  See the similarities between Apollo & Artemis, hear the perspectives of mission astronauts, and investigate what it takes to travel safely 240,000 miles from home (and back). This full dome production gives us a glimpse into what a sustainable future on the lunar surface might look like. Narrator Kari Byron of Myth Busters and Crash Test World launches us on a voyage beyond Earth and into the next chapter of human space exploration. Hours before the lunar eclipse, we’ll first view its copper appearance and get a better understanding of how eclipses occur.


✧ Tuesday, March 18 at 6pm
“Birth of Planet Earth” This full dome show tells the twisted tale of our planet's origins. Scientists now believe our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. This film employs advanced, data-driven, cinematic-quality visualizations to address some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system's violent birth? What does its history tell us about the chances of finding other Earth-like worlds? How did it all begin?


✧ Thursday, March 20 at 6pm
“Dinosaurs! A Story of Survival” Did you know there are still dinosaurs among us today? Step back in time… to the Mesozoic era 65 million years ago. Explore the prehistoric past of colossal creatures that roamed the earth for millions of years, and the cataclysmic impact that led to their extinction. A tale of evolutionary history. 


✧ Tuesday, March 25 at 6pm
“The Sun: Our Living Star” reveals the impact our star has on every aspect of life here on Earth. It is the source of energy that drives our weather systems, seasons, biology, and time. Discover the Sun’s dynamic nature and experience rare imagery of its turbulent surface in our immersive full dome. Explore the reason for Earth’s seasons and understanding vernal equinoxes. 


✧ Thursday, March 27 at 6pm
“Poetry in the Planetarium” Join us in the Trackman Planetarium as fellow JJC students put their work out into the Universe. Hear the poetic prose of local young writers with enhanced immersive full dome visuals. This special event is a unique inspirational experience of spoken word and art. Interested in sharing your poetry with planetarium guests? Contact caitlin.lee@jjc.edu for more information. All poems showcase original pieces inspired by themes of Earth & the Cosmos.

 

Come back next month for April'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 (unless otherwise noted).

Interested in booking a field trip for your school? JJC's Trackman Planetarium makes learning about science FUN and memorable. We are currently offering field trip opportunities on select Mondays and Wednesdays for the Summer months! These free, unique presentations are curated to the grade level and understanding of your students and complement any classroom curriculum. Prepare for a stellar journey exploring the fields of science, mythology, history, literature, art, and more. Book now as availability is limited.

Private presentations for other community organizations 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 ✮