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.
As summer gives way to fall, September offers some stellar skywatching opportunities! This month features the Autumnal Equinox, the Full Harvest Moon, the return of autumn's seasonal constellations, and 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. ✮
✧ Tuesday, September 1
“Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries” This production gives viewers a behind the scenes look at the three world-class observatories in Chile. Meet the diverse people who make astronomical research and exploration a success. Be a part of this worldwide celebration of Big Astronomy! Across vast regions of the world, scientists work together towards an inclusive goal of space exploration.
✧ Thursday, September 3
“Weather: Wonders and Mysteries Revealed” This full dome production takes us inside the planet’s most fascinating weather phenomena. Journey around the globe to uncover how weather patterns form, how they shape ecosystems, and how our changing climate influences the world around us. Experience meteorological events like rumbling thunderstorms, powerful tornadoes, blazing blizzards, and more. Educational and entertaining!
✧ Tuesday, September 8
“Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” A classic planetarium production! This full dome adventure follows two young explorers as they journey across the solar system in a cardboard rocket guided by their navigator, a talking Astronomy book. Investigate the Sun, meet our neighboring planets, dodge asteroids, and uncover fascinating space facts along the way! Perfect for young audiences and aspiring astronauts!
✧ Thursday, September 10
“The Body Code” takes audiences on an amazing voyage inside all of us. Explore the complex systems of the human body – from the eyes, brain, ears, heart, veins and arteries. In this show, we shrink down to microscopic size to fly through the body and into the DNA that comprises all living things. Along the way, we see how the body fights diseases at a cellular level, discovering how our natural defenses work.
✧ Tuesday, September 15
“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 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!
✧ Thursday, September 17
“Galileo: The Power of the Telescope” – Astronomer Galileo Galilei revolutionized humanity’s understanding of the cosmos through the lens of a telescope. Travel back in time to 17th century Italy beside the Father of Modern Science to witness his remarkable experiments, groundbreaking observations, and the discoveries that reshaped the way we see space and our place in it.
✧ Tuesday, September 22
“Sunset Meditation” Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox 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, September 24
“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.
✧ Tuesday, September 29
“From Earth to the Universe” This stunning voyage through space and time portrays the Universe as revealed to us by science. Revel in the splendor of the Solar System. Travel to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars. And still further out beyond the Milky Way to an unimaginable immensity of galaxies.
Come back next month for the October 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 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 ✮
The Trackman Planetarium is partnering with JJC's Center for Continuing Education to offer community education classes for all ages.
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.
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.
✮ 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.
