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.

March Planetarium Shows

As winter gives way to spring, March gives us even more reason to thank our lucky stars! Look up for the glowing Worm Moon, a captivating total lunar eclipse, dazzling planetary pairings, striking conjunctions, and the season’s brightest constellations climbing higher each evening. 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 6:00-7:00 p.m. ✮

✧ Tuesday, March 3 
“Moon 2019” Celebrate humanity’s first steps on the Moon. This film explores the daring missions of Apollo 11, the science and engineering that made them possible, and the remarkable story of JJC graduate John C. Houbolt, whose advocacy for a new lunar landing approach changed history. Travel back to the 1960s Space Race, a time of political tension and scientific breakthroughs, and discover how NASA achieved one of humanity’s greatest triumphs.

✧ Thursday, March 5
“Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible” Prepare for a journey into the deepest regions of spacetime where humans could never venture…until now. 
Explore formations of the Universe’s greatest phenomena. This full dome film will dazzle you with striking and immersive visualizations as we uncover the mysteries lurking inside supermassive black holes.

✧ Tuesday, March 10    ★ CLOSED ★
Due to the potential for widespread severe weather in the area, the Trackman Planetarium at Joliet Junior College will be closed on Tuesday, March 10 to ensure the safety of our guests and staff.

This program will be rescheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00p.m.

✧ Thursday, March 12
“Unveiling the Invisible Universe” For thousands of years, civilization's perspective of the cosmos was limited to the scope of our vision. Today, we can see beyond the capabilities of human eyesight - into the invisible universe. An astonishing film that peers 13 billion light years into space evolution. Witness the collision of black holes, observe massive gamma ray bursts, see new images of the cosmos through X-rays, infrared, and cosmic rays.

✧ Tuesday, March 17
“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, March 19
“Weather: Wonders and Mysteries Revealed” This full dome production takes us inside the planet’s most fascinating weather phenomena. Journey around the globe to uncover how weather patterns form, how they shape ecosystems, and how our changing climate influences the world around us. Experience meteorological events like rumbling thunderstorms, powerful tornadoes, blazing blizzards, and more. Educational and entertaining!

✧ Tuesday, March 24
“Distant Worlds: Alien Life?” investigates humanity’s greatest questions: Are we alone in the universe? Can life exist and persist on distant planets? Explore the scientific possibility of extraterrestrial life with imaginative visualizations of other worldly origins.  This show dives into what life needs to thrive, where it might be found, what it could look like, and how future discoveries could forever change our understanding of the cosmos.  

✧ Thursday, March 26
“Accidental Astronauts: An Earth, Sun, Moon Adventure” A simple field trip turns into an unexpected adventure when robo-friends Cy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong accidentally blast off into space! Traveling to the blazing surface of the Sun and the cratered landscape of the Moon, they encounter extreme heat, icy cold, asteroids, and rovers while discovering what makes Earth the perfect place to call home. This lively, family-friendly planetarium show blends humor and science to spark young imaginations and cosmic curiosity.

✧ Tuesday, March 31
“Birth of Planet Earth” Experience the astronomical tale of our planet's origins. Featuring cinematic, data-driven visualizations grounded in modern Astronomy, this film reveals how Earth emerged from the chaotic beginnings of our Solar System and became a living, thriving planet. What does its history tell us about the chances of finding other Earth-like worlds? Could life exist elsewhere in the Universe? How did it all begin? 

Come back next month for the April 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 ✮