Staerkel Planetarium Announces Variety of Spring 2026 Shows
The schedule features fan favorites, Kaler Science Lectures and more
The Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College has announced their spring 2026 schedule, featuring a variety of shows from new adventures to fan favorites for everyone to enjoy.
One new show, "Messengers of Time and Space," weaves a story that looks back at humanity’s long history with a changing night sky, exploring how our perspective on the dynamic Universe is being revolutionized with observatories that monitor the night sky for exciting astronomical events that change with time. They do this by collecting light across many wavelengths as well as cosmic rays, neutrinos, and gravitational waves.
"The Hot and Energetic Universe" presents the achievements of modern astronomy, the most advanced terrestrial and orbital observatories, the basic principles of electromagnetic radiation and the natural phenomena related to high energy astrophysics. "Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds" questions if there is other life on other worlds.
The planetarium will also feature fan favorites including "Prairie Skies," "Expedition Reef," and "Sunstruck" for adults, and "Beyond the Sun: In Search of a New Earth," "Cosmic Colors," "Flight Adventures," and "Coyote Explores the Earth, Moon, and Sun" for children.
On February 7 and April 11, the planetarium will show "Un cielo, un mundo: La aventura de Big Bird" at 3:30 p.m. and "Astronomía a gran escala" at 4:30 p.m. Both shows are presented by a native Spanish speaker.
Rock out to the “Dark Side of the Moon” with a light show set to Pink Floyd’s album. Patrons will enjoy this fulldome show on the first Friday of each month at 9 p.m. and at other selected times. Note: These shows aren’t for people with motion sickness. Tickets cost $12 for everyone.
Matinée shows will be featured on February 16 and April 3 and during spring break on March 19. Shows will not be held on March 20 and March 21 during spring break.
There will also be 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., the planetarium will host the Kaler Science Lecture Series, named for University of Illinois astronomer Jim Kaler who spoke at the series annually for almost three decades. The spring series will feature UIUC Prof. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt, UIUC Prof. Gautham Narayan, and Andrew Pritchard from Chambana Weather and Nutrien Ag Solutions. Admission is $2 for everyone.
For more information on the spring 2026 schedule, free observatory open houses, Galaxy Club, school field trips, sponsoring a planetarium chair, renting a telescope, or booking the dome, call 217/351-2568 or visit planetarium.parkland.edu.