Staerkel Planetarium Announces Variety of Shows in Summer 2025 Schedule

During the summer, the Planetarium accommodates Parkland College’s four-days-a-week schedule

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

Select features include "Unveiling the Invisible Universe," "Prairie Skies," "Niyah and the Multiverse," "Sunstruck," and "Mexica Archeoastronomy: Between Space and Time." Children will be able to enjoy many features too, including "Coyote Explores the Earth, Moon and Sun," "One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure," "The Little Star That Could," and "Cosmic Colors."

During the summer months, the Planetarium accommodates Parkland College’s four-days-a-week schedule. They will offer matinée shows to the public on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings along with Friday evening shows.

On the first Friday of each month, patrons can hear Pink Floyd’s albums ring in the dome during the "Dark Side of the Moon Light Show." Tickets are $12 for everyone. Note: This show is not for people with motion sickness.

Sensory-friendly shows are scheduled for Saturdays, May 3 and July 26. With "lights up, sound down" settings and a relaxed atmosphere, patrons can come, go, and move around as needed. These shows are designed for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. All are welcome to attend these events, even for those who don't need sensory accommodations.

During the summer, shows will not be held on May 23 and 24, July 3 and 4, and August 29 and 30 for the holidays.

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