JJC Alert: Due to an ongoing Comcast internet outage, the Romeoville, City Center, Morris, and Weitendorf Campuses will maintain virtual operations on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
The Main Campus is NOT impacted and operating normally.
Extended campuses are not accessible during the outage.
November 25, 2025 09:27:57
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 winter approaches, the nights grow their longest and darkest. December skies feature celestial marvels like dazzling constellations, The Cold Supermoon, meteor showers, and the winter solstice! 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 6:00-7:00p.m. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ✮
✧ Tuesday, November 25
“One Sky Project” A cultural journey through time. The stars we observe today are the very same stars admired by our most ancient ancestors – and they created grande stories in the skies. This film transcends these tales and retells them with beautiful artistry. Culture, history, and indigenous Astronomy meet to connect Earth, the sky, and humanity. An international collaboration bringing together the short stories of Orion and Artemis, the Navajo Thunderbird, Jai Singh’s Dream, the Celestial Canoe, the Samurai and the Stars, and Hawaiian Wayfinders.
✧ Thursday, November 27
The Trackman Planetarium will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving.
We wish you and your families a special holiday! Join us next week for another cosmic adventure.
✧ Tuesday, December 2
"Messengers of Time & Space” Journey through the universe to discover how cosmic signals like light, particles, and gravitational waves serve as messengers from the farthest reaches of space and the deepest moments in time. From supernovae to black holes, learn how these powerful clues help scientists unravel the history of the cosmos and explore the forces that shape our universe. The world's most powerful telescopes like Gemini and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory are revealing these celestial marvels like never before!
✧ Thursday, December 4
“Stars to Starfish” Explore our universe – From the immensity of the Cosmos to the depths of the Oceans. 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 revealing a complex universe under the sea. Marvel at the colorful coral and alien-like creatures that defy our wildest imaginations!
✧ Tuesday, December 9
“Legends of the Night Sky: ORION” Takes an imaginative look into the legendary story of Orion the Hunter, our most beloved winter constellation. This show brings the myth to life in a fun-filled animated adventure. Follow Orion’s journey as he comes of age, courageously battling beasts, foiling the plot of an evil king, and winning the heart of Artemis, the beautiful moon-goddess. Learn the story of how Orion's constellation was placed in the night sky, forever travelling throughout the seasons. Fun for the whole family!
✧ Thursday, December 11
“Mayan Archeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe” connects history and mythology, science and culture. View the universe through the eyes of the ancient Mayan civilization. A poetic journey through space and time exploring Mayan temples and their relevance to the pathways of the Sun, Moon, and stars. Tour 6 monumental Mayan ruins that are still standing today (San Gervasio, Chicchen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná Palenque, and Bonampak.)
✧ Tuesday, December 16
"The Little Star that Could” A planetarium classic! Travel through the universe with an average yellow star (Sol) in search of planets to protect and warm. Along the way, Sol meets various stars and learns what makes each one special. Together, we discover the differences among planets in the solar system and swirling galaxies, stars and star clusters, and other space objects in the night sky. An animated adventure for the whole family!
★ Tuesday, December 18 at 4:30p.m. AND 6:00p.m. ★
“The Christmas Star” Explore the wonders of the Christmas sky. Find seasonal constellations, dazzling planets, and famous wintertime asterisms like the Great Northern Cross, the Heavenly Manger, and the Shepard’s Star. A journey 2,000 years into the past to discern the history and mystery of the Star of Bethlehem.
✧ December 22 - January 2
The Trackman Planetarium will be CLOSED for the holiday season.
We hope your days and nights are filled with magic and wonder. Don’t forget to step outside and look up. Wishing you and your families clear skies, shooting stars, and a stellar start to the new year.
See you in 2026!
Come back next month for the January 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 Corporate & Community Services department to offer community education classes for all ages.
View the classes in the Fall 2025 issue of the Community & Continuing Education 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.
The application for the radiologic technology program will be open from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. The Radiologic...