The Planetarium is now running on a reduced summer schedule. Evening shows are on Friday nights only, but we have added matinees on Thursdays through the end of July (closed July 4th). Our show hotline is 217/351-2446.
DAWN OF THE SPACE AGE
From the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, to the magnificent lunar landings and privately operated space flights, be immersed and overwhelmed with this accurate historic reconstruction of Man’s first steps into space.Who were these men and women who took part on these death-defying endeavors? Witness their drive, passion and perseverance to explore during this, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon mission. Adults are $6; students, seniors and kids under 12 are $5, all tickets sold at the door. Opens June 7 showing Friday nights at 8pm.
PRAIRIE SKIES
A live‑narrated tour of the wonders of the tonight's sky, accompanied by some of the legendary stories of the ancient sky.Find out what constellations and planets are visible tonight and how to find them. This show is updated seasonally and is intended for all ages. Showing Fridays at 7pm. Adults are $6; students, seniors and kids under 12 are $5, all tickets sold at the door.
Thursday matinees:
THE LITTLE STAR THAT COULD
Journey with “Little Star,” an average yellow star, in search of planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special, why they are different colors and how they combine to form star clusters and galaxies.Let’s hope a delightful cast of characters including “Pearl” and “Big Daddy” can help “Little Star” find some planets!. Showing Thursdays at 10am & 1pm starting June 6. Adults are $6; students, seniors and kids under 12 are $5, all tickets sold at the door.
COYOTE EXPLORES THE EARTH, MOON & SUN
Explore the relationships between the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our neighbors in space. His confusion makes us think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work as a system as we distinguish between myth and science. Examine how the Sun rises and sets and how the Sun shines, then learn about craters on the Moon, phases and eclipses. Lastly, we look at past exploration of the Moon. Showing Thursdays at 11am & 2pm starting June 6. Adults are $6; students, seniors and kids under 12 are $5, all tickets sold at the door.