Herbert Trackman Planetarium

Dedicated to continuing its tradition of outstanding astronomical instruction and entertainment, 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.

June Planetarium Shows

As Summer emerges, warmer nights lie ahead for ideal stargazing opportunities. Visit the Trackman Planetarium to learn about the constellations in your own backyard, explore cosmic curiosities, and experience the wonders of the universe! 

Trackman Planetarium shows are always free, always fascinating, and always open to the public.

 

✧ Tuesday, June 4 at 6pm ✧
“Stars to Starfish” In celebration of World Oceans Week, we’ll explore our universe – From the immensity of the Cosmos to the depths of the deepest waters. 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.



✧Thursday, June 6 at 6pm ✧
“Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival” Do you think dinosaurs still walk 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. A great show for young dinosaur-lovers.

 

✧ Tuesday, June 11 at 6pm ✧
“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, June 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.

 

✧ Tuesday, June 18 at 6pm ✧
“Weather: Wonders and Mysteries Revealed” – This full dome production takes us inside the planet’s most fascinating weather phenomena. Learn about weather patterns and ecosystem changes. Experience meteorological events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, and more. Educational and entertaining!

 

✧ Thursday, June 20 at 6pm ✧
“Sunset Meditation” – Bring in the first day of Summer Solstice with a guided full dome meditation experience. The Trackman Planetarium offers a dark and quiet space to focus on introspection and psychological nourishment. Take a magical moment for yourself… Strengthen your emotional well-being… Embrace the wonders of the planet. “Sunset Meditation” takes us on a journey from the North Pole to a sunset over the Grand Canyon. Then, relax under a night sky filled with stars and the beauty of the auroras.

 

✧ Tuesday, June 25 at 6pm ✧
“Galileo: Power of the Telescope” – 400 years ago, Astronomer Galileo Galilei revolutionized humanity’s understanding of the cosmos through the eyes of a telescope. Travel back in time to 17th century Italy beside the Father of Science to witness his life, experiments, and powerful discoveries.

 

✧ Thursday, June 27 at 6pm ✧
 “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. 

 

 

About the JJC Planetarium

The public is invited to visit the Trackman Planetarium in F-1001 on the Main Campus. We have 55 theatre-style seats available in the dome and no registration is required. Free events are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6p.m.

Interested in booking a field trip to the Trackman Planetarium? We are currently offering Field Trip opportunities on Mondays and Wednesdays for Summer 2024. Educational groups are encouraged to schedule programs during the school day. These free, public service presentations are curated to the grade level and understanding of your students. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility. 

Social and community organizations are invited to schedule unique programs for their members. Private presentations are available during daytime school hours or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Contact fieldtripcoordinator@jjc.edu for more information.