Staerkel Planetarium Announces Variety of Shows in Spring 2025 Schedule

The Spring 2025 schedule will include fan favorites, new shows, sensory-friendly events and more.

Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College has announced the Spring 2025 schedule, featuring a variety of shows for everyone to enjoy.

Aside from fan favorite Prairie Skies, the Planetarium will feature many other shows including 5000 Eyes, Skywatchers of Africa, Big Astronomy, Expedition Reef, and Sunstruck for adults. Children's shows include Flight Adventures, In My Backyard, Solar System Safari, and Beyond the Sun.

Show dates and times are the following:

January:

• 10: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 8 p.m.
• 11: Flight Adventures, 1 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 2 p.m.
• 17: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 8 p.m.
• 18: Flight Adventures, 1 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 2 p.m.
• 24: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 8 p.m.
• 25: Flight Adventures, 1 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 2 p.m.
• 31: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 8 p.m.

February:

• 1:  Flight Adventures, 1 p.m.; 5000 Eyes, 2 p.m.
• 7: Kaler Science Lecture, 7 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 8 p.m.
• 8: In My Backyard, 1 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 2 p.m.
• 14: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 8 p.m.
• 15: In My Backyard, 1 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 2 p.m.
• 17: In My Backyard, 1 p.m.; Sunstruck, 2 p.m.
• 21: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 8 p.m.
• 22: In My Backyard, 1 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 2 p.m.
• 28: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 8 p.m.

March:

• 1: In My Backyard, 1 p.m.; Skywatchers of Africa, 2 p.m.
• 7: Kaler Science Lecture, 7 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 8 p.m.
• 8: Solar System Safari, 1 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 2 p.m.
• 14: Winter Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 8 p.m.
• 15: Solar System Safari, 1 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 2 p.m.
• 20: Solar System Safari, 1 p.m.; Sunstruck, 2 p.m.
• 28: Spring Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 8 p.m.
• 29: Solar System Safari, 1 p.m.; Big Astronomy, 2 p.m.

April:

• 4: Kaler Science Lecture, 7 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 8 p.m.
• 5: Beyond the Sun, 1 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 2 p.m.
• 11: Spring Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 8 p.m.
• 12: Beyond the Sun, 1 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 2 p.m.
• 18: Beyond the Sun, 1 p.m.; Sunstruck, 2 p.m.; Spring Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 8 p.m.
• 19: Beyond the Sun, 1 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 2 p.m.
• 25: Spring Prairie Skies, 7 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 8 p.m.
• 26: Beyond the Sun, 1 p.m.; Expedition Reef, 2 p.m.

The planetarium is hosting a few shows in Spanish. These shows include Un Cielo, un Mundo: la Aventura de Big Bird at 3:30 p.m. and Astronomía a gran escala at 4:30 p.m. on January 25. Both shows are presented by a native Spanish speaker.

There will also be matinée shows with sensory-friendly settings on selected Saturdays. These shows have "lights up, sound down" settings and a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can come, go, and move around as needed. Sensory-friendly shows are designed for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. All are welcome to attend these events, even if you don't need sensory accommodations.

On the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m., local scientists will discuss their specialties in the Kaler Science Lecture Series, named for UIUC astronomer Jim Kaler. Admission is $2 for everyone.

More information on the Spring 2025 schedule, free observatory open houses, Galaxy Club, school field trips, sponsoring a planetarium chair, or renting a telescope can be found online.