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.

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. ✮

✧ 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!

✧ 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.

✧ 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 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 ✮