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.

July Planetarium Shows

As Summer endures, the night sky comes alive with celestial marvels, dazzling constellations, and planetary pairings. 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 START AT 6:00p.m. ✮
 

✧ Tuesday, July 1
 “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 the benefits of Space Station research, track its trajectory in the night sky and decipher its role in the development of technology, space exploration, and our future.  

✧ Thursday, July 3
 “Always Above: Space Is Closer Than You Think” Did you know there are an estimated 10,000 satellites orbiting overhead today? We utilize these satellites every day for shopping, communication, navigation, entertainment, and more! This film brings to perspective just how close space is to home and how these technologies affect our everyday lives. Explore the different types of satellites, their orbital patterns, the threats they pose, and the role of the U.S. Space Force in operating these assets.

✧ Tuesday, July 8
 “Humanity Touches the Sun” & “The Sun Touches Humanity” These integrated films offer a front-row seat to the Sun’s powerful might. Embark on a thrilling journey through the blazing corona. Witness the Parker Solar Probe's record-breaking approach, traveling at over 430,000 mph (the fastest spacecraft ever made). Explore its dynamic magnetic fields, solar wind, and the origins of space weather with NASA’s PUNCH mission.  

✧ Thursday, July 10
 “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.

✧ Tuesday, July 15 
 “Forward! To the Moon” NASA’s Artemis program is the next giant leap on the mission to the Moon! See 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 launches us on a voyage beyond Earth and into the next chapter of human space exploration.

✧ Thursday, July 17
 “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 possibility of extraterrestrial life with imaginative visualizations of other worldly origins. This immersive experience blends cutting-edge science with insightful storytelling to envision what alien life and exoplanetary environments might look like on distant interstellar worlds.

✧ Tuesday, July 22 “The Hot and Energetic Universe”
 Experience the awe-inspiring natural phenomena of High Energy Astrophysics. This captivating full dome film immerses viewers in real life imagery and visualizations of gaseous reactions within supernova remnants, galaxy clusters, neutron stars, and supermassive blackholes. Observe the perpetual energy-driven reactions and processes within the depths of the cosmos, helping shape our understanding of the universe.  

✧ Thursday, July 24
 “Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible” Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the deepest regions of spacetime. A place humans could never venture…until now. Explore formations of the Universe’s greatest phenomena... where time slows, space warps, and the known laws of physics begin to break down. This full dome film will dazzle you with striking and immersive visualizations as we uncover the mysteries lurking inside supermassive black holes.  

✧ Tuesday, July 29 
“Journey to Mars” 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! 

✧ Thursday, July 31 
“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, Moons, 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!  

Come back next month for the August 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. We are currently offering field trip opportunities on select Mondays and Wednesdays for the Summer months! 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, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Private community 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 ✮