Planetarium Show: A Pretty Cool Space Movie
The Trackman Planetarium at JJC will be open to the public for a one-hour astronomy presentation. “A Pretty...
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Trackman Planetarium
Explore the universe right here at JJC! For more than 50 years, the Trackman Planetarium has been a destination for discovery, inspiring curiosity through unforgettable astronomy programs. Inside our 30-foot dome, our advanced 360° digital projection system brings the night sky to life as you journey through constellations, planets, galaxies, and current celestial events. Every program combines a live guided tour of the sky with stunning full-dome experiences that immerse you in the wonders of the universe.
July Planetarium Shows
As Summer reaches its peak, July brings long days, warm nights, and plenty of reasons to look up! This month features the full Buck Moon, the dazzling Delta Aquariids meteor shower, a rare lunar occultation of Mars, and much more! 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. ✮
✧ THURSDAY, JULY 2
“Always Above: Space Is Closer Than You Think” There are more than just fireworks lighting up the sky this 4th of July - Did you know there are over 10,000 satellites orbiting overhead right now? 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 7
“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.
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✧ THURSDAY, JULY 9
“Dark Matter Mystery: Exploring a Cosmic Secret” investigates the unknown… what makes up the structure of space itself? The hunt for dark matter challenges astrophysicists, scientists, and the minds of astronomers across the globe. We know it exists. But we cannot see it. Can you solve the dark matter mystery?
✧ TUESDAY, JULY 14
“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, JULY 16
“Beyond the Sun” 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 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.
✧ TUESDAY, JULY 21
"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, JULY 23
“Rising Star: A South African Astronomy Journey” Embark on an unforgettable journey along the rich, cultural coasts of South Africa, where ancient skies meet cutting-edge science. Discover groundbreaking insights into our cosmic origins, trace the evolution of astronomical research, and explore the innovative technologies shaping the field today. Step inside state-of-the-art facilities and glimpse a future driven by the vision of astronomy for a better world.
✧ TUESDAY, JULY 28
“Larry Cat in Space” – A classic planetarium production! Take off on a fun-filled adventure to the Moon with a sneaky cat, Larry. Experience zero gravity, walk across the lunar surface, and look back at our home planet. A delightful cartoon for kids!
✧ THURSDAY, JULY 30
“Exoplanets” takes viewers on an epic journey to solar systems beyond our own. Learn about the thousands of confirmed extrasolar planets that orbit other faraway stars. Discover the scientific techniques astronomers use to find them! Enjoy imaginative visualizations of other worldly origins.
Come back next month for the August show schedule...
About the 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 features a 55-seat, theater-style dome designed for immersive astronomy programs.
Join us for free public shows every Tuesday and Thursday evening 6:00-7:00p.m. (unless otherwise noted). No registration required!
Interested in booking a field trip for your school? The 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 ✮
Trackman Planetarium Launches Community Classes!
The Trackman Planetarium is partnering with JJC's Center for Continuing Education to offer community education classes for all ages.
View upcoming classes in the Summer 2026 issue of the Community & Continuing Education Catalog.
Summer registration now open!
Register for Community Classes
Easy registration is available through the registration site, Enrole. If you have any questions, give the Center for Continuing Education a call at (815) 280-1555 to speak with one of their registration specialists. They would be happy to assist you. REGISTER NOW
Plan Your Visit
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Location
The Trackman Planetarium is part of the Joliet Junior College Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road, in southwest Joliet, Illinois. The Planetarium is located in the F-building on the far South side of the college. William Glasscock Drive serves as the perimeter roadway, providing convenient access to the F-building and other campus destinations.
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Parking and Directions
✮ Allow a few extra minutes before showtime to park and walk to the Planetarium.
The most convenient parking area is Lot S7. After entering the JJC main campus, turn LEFT and follow the perimeter drive to the south end of campus. Follow signs for “Planetarium” along the way.
From Lot S7, follow the sidewalk to the F-building entrance. Once inside, enter the Main Hall and the Planetarium is located immediately to your left.
If parking elsewhere on campus, follow the Main Hall west towards the F-building. Directional signage throughout campus will help guide your way.
✮ SCHOOL BUSES:
For school group visits, buses may drop off and pick up passengers between the Natural Sciences (E-building) and Planetarium (F-building). To ensure safe access, please keep the entrance to the JJC Campus Police parking lot clear at all times. Buses remaining on campus for the duration of the event should park on the far side of lot S7.
