JJC Alert: Due to predicted winter weather, JJC will operate virtually on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Classes will take place virtually. Students must check iCampus for course specific instructions from faculty members.
For more information on JJC’s decision-making process regarding winter weather conditions, visit jjc.edu/closures
January 21, 2026 01:05:27
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.
As the new year begins, January nights offer long, crisp hours perfect for stargazing. This month, the skies dazzle with celestial marvels like the Wolf Moon, meteor showers, planetary conjunctions, and brilliant winter constellations! 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 January 6
“A Pretty Cool Space Movie” takes viewers on an epic journey through the cosmos. Traverse through the splendor of our solar system – observe planetary landscapes like never before, fly through clouds on Venus, the many moons of Jupiter, through the rings of Saturn, onto Pluto, the Kuiper Belt, and beyond! The Pretty Cool Space Movie envelops you in the wonders of Cosmology. Meet mesmerizing exoplanets, colorful nebula, distant galaxies, and onto the farthest reaches of the observable universe. A stellar show for all ages!
✧ Thursday, January 8
“Music Under the Stars” Full dome music videos including Elton John, Queen, Marillion, Cold Play, and more! This show will include a live tour of the night sky before we immerse in a symphony of timeless tunes - Spanning genres as vast as the cosmos. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the classics!
✧ Tuesday, January 13
“Beyond the Sun” is an award-winning, full-dome adventure that blasts off beyond our solar system to explore mysterious worlds orbiting distant stars. Join Celeste and her glowing guide, the Moon, as they travel across the universe to discover real exoplanets and uncover how scientists find these hidden worlds using light, motion, atmospheres, and other mind-blowing physics. From rogue planets drifting through space to the secrets of the Doppler Effect, this journey goes beyond our Sun, beyond our planets, and beyond our wildest imaginations. A great show for curious kids!
✧ Thursday, January 15
“The Sun: Our Living Star” reveals the impact our star has on every aspect of life here on Earth! It is the powerhouse of our solar system - a constant source of light, heat and 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. From sunspots and solar flares to eclipses and space weather, explore how the ever-changing Sun shapes our world, any why understanding its power is essential to protecting the planet.
✧ Tuesday, January 20
“DINOSAURS: A Story of Survival” Did you know dinosaurs may still walk among us today? Venture back 65 million years to the Mesozoic Era, when colossal creatures ruled the Earth. Witness the awe-inspiring giants that once roamed our planet and uncover the cataclysmic event that brought their reign to an end. A gripping journey through evolution, survival, and the prehistoric world like you’ve never seen before.
✧ Thursday, January 22
“Worlds of Curiosity” dives into the ultimate “what if?” questions of the universe…Minecraft style! What if Earth had no moon? Would your nights in survival mode look completely different? What if our planet was tilted like Uranus? Would your builds stay upright? What would it take to terraform an exoplanet, block by block? This full dome adventure sparks your creative mode imagination while exploring real planetary science in a way that’s fun, thrilling, and out of this world! Perfect for young Minecrafters, gamers, explorers, and future space builders!
✧ Tuesday, January 27
“BIG Astronomy” takes you behind the scenes of three world-class observatories in Chile, the driest place on Earth with some of the clearest skies in the world. Meet the inspiring scientists, engineers, and visionaries who make astronomical discoveries possible, and see how people from all over the globe work together to unlock the mysteries of the universe. Celebrate the excitement, collaboration, and passion of Big Astronomy. Discover how international teamwork and curiosity drive space exploration to new heights!
✧ Thursday, January 29
“Sunset Meditation” invites you to enjoy a unique guided full-dome meditation experience. The Trackman Planetarium becomes a serene, dark, and quiet space where you can pause, reflect, and nourish your mind. Take a magical moment for yourself, strengthen your emotional well-being, and embrace the beauty of our planet. Journey from a breathtaking sunset over the Grand Canyon to the icy North Pole. Then, unwind beneath a night sky sparkling with stars and shimmering auroras. A truly immersive experience for relaxation and wonder.
Come back next month for the February show schedule...
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 ✮
The Trackman Planetarium is pleased to be partnering with JJC's Center for Continuing Education to offer community education classes for all ages.
View upcoming classes in the Winter/Spring 2026 issue of the Community & Continuing Education Catalog.
VIEW THE WINTER/SPRING 2026 CATALOG
Easy registration is available any time of day and even on weekends through the registration site, Enrole. If you experience any problems, give Corporate & Community Services a call at (815) 280-1555 to speak with one of their registration specialists. They would be happy to assist you.
