Special Events
World of Science Lectures
At 7 p.m. the first Friday of the month, the Planetarium becomes a forum for a local scientist to discuss his or her specialties. Past topics have included severe weather, glaciers, the Hubble Telescope, tornadoes, insects, and wildflowers. Admission is only $1 at the door. For a schedule, click here!
The "First (and Last) 35mm Film Festival
We'll use our 35mm film projector for the last time! See all of our old 35mm movies dating from when the planetarium opened in 1987 . . .for one last time! A full schedule appears here.
Storytelling Under the Stars!
Join storytellers Kim Petzing (Allerton Park) and Kim Sheahan (Spurlock Museum) for a mixture of storytelling, multiculturalism, and a little science. “Dusk to Dawn ” takes us to other lands and how they explained the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars. Friday February 29, 7 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students, seniors, and children under 12.
Rocket Into Space!
WILL-TV, Krannert Art Museum, the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, Chanute Aerospace Museum, the Champaign and Urbana Public Libraries, and others will converge on the Staerkel Planetarium on Thursday, April 24 for a free event aimed at families with pre-school and elementary-age children. Observe a rocket launch, build a rocket from spare parts, enjoy a short planetarium show, and participate in hands-on activities relating to rockets and space travel. The event is 5:30 to 8:30pm. No reservations are required. For more info, contact Molly Delaney at 244-7678.
Girl Scout "Sky Search" Merit Badge Workshops
Girl Scouts . . . .get help on your Sky Search Badge by attending one of two special Sky Search workshops at the planetarium either April 3, April 9 or April 15 from 7-8:30pm. For more information, consult the spring "Live & Learn" brochure. Advance registration is required. Cost is $4 per scout. Use the form in the latest "Live & Learn" or this registration form.
Boy Scout "Astronomy" Merit Badge Workshops
The Staerkel Planetarium will conduct three interactive merit badge workshops in May. Advance registration is required! Each workshop runs from 7-9:30pm on either May 7 or May 13. You do not need to attend all three. Cost is $5 per scout. More information can be obtained by calling the planetarium at 351-2568 or consulting the Parkland College spring, 2008 "Live & Learn" brochure. Don't miss the deadline! Use the form in the latest "Live & Learn" or this registration form.
See the real sky with the CU Astronomical Society!
Observatory open houses occur at dusk on February 16, March 15, April 12, and May 10. All night sky observing is weather permitting. See www.cuas.org for details. The University of Illinois Astronomical Society will have the observatory next to the Foellinger Auditorium open on the first Friday of the months that classes are in session. For information see www.astro.uiuc.edu/~uias.