Herbert Trackman Planetarium

Dedicated to inspiring curiosity and exploration since 1973, the Trackman Planetarium continues a long tradition of exceptional astronomy education and entertainment! Featuring a 30-foot dome and an advanced 360° digital projection system, each show takes audiences on an interactive tour of the night sky. Explore constellations, planets, and current celestial events before experiencing breathtaking full-dome productions that transport you across the cosmos in stunning high-resolution detail.

June Planetarium Shows

As Summer approaches, June brings longer days, warmer nights, and plenty of reasons to look up! This month features a micro-Strawberry Moon, the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year), and a dazzling close encounter of Jupiter and Venus! 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, JUNE 2
"One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" Get ready for a fun-filled adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu! Join your favorite Sesame Street friends as they journey across the globe exploring the wonders of the night sky. Along the way, they discover the Moon, find familiar shapes among the stars, and learn that no matter where we live, we all share one world. Filled with friendship, laughter, and sing-alongs, this delightful show sparks imagination, inspires curiosity, and celebrates the connections that unite us all under one sky.

✧ THURSDAY, JUNE 4
“Mysteries of Your Brain” Take 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, and nerves that drive your senses, motion, and thinking. Compare the differences between the human brain and various animal brains – from the biggest to the smallest. A kid-friendly and colorful view into how the brain works.

✧ TUESDAY, JUNE 9
“Seeing! A Photon’s Journey Through Space, Time, and Mind” follows the journey of a single light particle, a photon, as it is produced within a distant star, before travelling across the vast expanse of space to land on an observer’s retina. A story of light, sight, and vision. This show explores the structure/biology of the eyes and brain. It examines how the eye works, how our brain perceives vision, overall eye health, and how technology is used to help restore vision and prevent a variety of diseases that affect sight.

✧ THURSDAY, JUNE 11
“Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope” 400 years ago, a simple adjustment of a child’s spyglass revealed for the first time an infinite and perplexing universe to our eyes. Aiming to engage audiences of all ages, this planetarium show explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers that redefined our understanding of the cosmos. Gaze even further into the distant past – and into our future.

✧ TUESDAY, JUNE 16
“Cosmology” addresses how our understanding of the universe has evolved throughout time. Discover the young science of cosmology in this student-produced planetarium program. From early universe theories to the Big Bang, witness the progression of our cosmic understanding. A scientific insight.

✧ THURSDAY, JUNE 18
“Solar Quest” takes us inside the most massive and powerful object in the solar system – Our Sun! Stunning immersive visuals give us a view of our star like never before! Experience the awe of space weather- from sunquakes, to solar tsunamis, coronal mass ejections, fusion, solar tornadoes, and other phenomena. This stellar full dome show demonstrates how the Sun and Earth and interconnected and the atmosphere and magnetic field that protects us.

✧ TUESDAY, JUNE 23
“Sunset Meditation” Celebrate the Summer Solstice with 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. 

✧ THURSDAY, JUNE 25
“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 w immerse in a symphony of timeless tunes. Spanning genres as vast as the Cosmos. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the classics!

✧ TUESDAY, JUNE 30
“The Planets” Take a trip through our stellar neighborhood and beyond. Encounter the Sun, planets, Moons, and asteroids that make up our solar system, and discover how they have evolved over billions of years. Then, venture farther into the galaxy to explore distant stars, uncover the secrets of exoplanets, and learn about the celestial patterns that form the constellations in our night sky. A fascinating show for the whole family!
 

Come back next month for the July 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 ✮