Cernan Earth and Space Center

The Cernan Earth and Space Center planetarium will be closed for all programs from June 27 through July 4, 2019 for significant software and sound system upgrades.

Cernan Public Shows Calender

Explore the wonders of the universe and the latest discoveries in astronomy, space exploration, and geoscience at the Cernan Earth and Space Center, a unique space-age facility that combines education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Open year-round, the Cernan Center is conveniently located on the campus of Triton College in Chicago's western suburb of River Grove. The Cernan Earth and Space Center offers a range of programs and offerings.

For more information, please call the Cernan Earth and Space Center at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372, or email the Cernan Center at cernan@triton.edu. If you live in the Chicago area, please email us your name and address to join our mailing list.

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Cernan Earth & Space Center

Check Pricing & Plan your Visit

Events and Prices are subject to change.

IMPORTANT: This Web page cannot provide last minute changes to our public show schedule, such as weather-related cancelations. Please call our Program Line at 708-583-3100 for up-to-the-minute information, particularly if you are coming from a distance to see one or more of our shows.

Cernan Earth & Space Center Driving Directions & Campus Map

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Current Schedule

Final Showing
Wednesday,
June 26, 2019

Final Showing
Saturday,
June 22, 2019

Premiere Showing
Friday,
July 5, 2019

Premiere Showing
Saturday,
July 6, 2019

Premiere Showing
Saturday,
August 3, 2019

Click image for more information about a featured show.

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Show Descriptions

Dome Capacity: 93 seats

An out of this world experience at the Cernan Earth and Space Center makes a great kickoff or climax for your studies of astronomy, space exploration and a variety of other subjects.

The newly installed Super MediaGlobe 2, fulldome, digital projector covers the entire surface of our 44 foot diameter dome with full color images, animation, and the starry sky to take your group on a trip beyond the final frontier.

Group leaders should plan to spend a full hour in the Planetarium to allow time for seating as well as questions and answers.

Feature Show Descriptions

Cosmic Light Show Descriptions

Continue exploring the final frontier!
The Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College is a great place to experience the wonders of the universe, but there is more to explore than can be included in any one planetarium show.

Visit our for further exploration related to each show we offer: web links, book lists, pre and post visit activities, and more. Ties to State Curriculum Standards are also included.

All information subject to change without notice.

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Monthly Skywatch (followed by FREE Public Star Parties)

Next Skywatch - Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Get your current night sky, astronomy, geoscience, and space exploration update in the Cernan Center Planetarium.

One Saturday night each month, the Cernan Earth and Space Center's Monthly Skywatch brings you the excitement of the current nighttime sky. Recent discoveries in astronomy, space science and geoscience are also presented in the Planetarium theater. This program features advanced scientific content and is recommended for people 13 years or older, but younger visitors are welcome.

Weather permitting, telescopes will be set up outside so everyone can observe the Moon, planets and other celestial sights for FREE. Telescopes are provided by the Chicago Astronomical Society and Cernan Center staff.

Please Note: Events, Dates, Topics, Objects and Prices are subject to change. Even though we make every effort to keep the website updated, visitors should call our Program Line at 708-583-3100 for the latest information about additions, changes, and cancelations.

Admission to Monthly Skywatch
Adults: $8
Seniors (55 and over): $4
Children (2-12): $4
Triton College Students with Current Semester ID: FREE

FREE Public Star Parties

Weather permitting, telescopes will be set up outside so everyone can observe the Moon, planets and other celestial sights for FREE.

Telescopes are provided by the Chicago Astronomical Society and Cernan Center staff.

Most Star Parties are regularly scheduled on the same day as Monthly Skywatch.

Additional Star Parties may be added for special events which will be indicated with as asterisk (*).

You are not required to attend the Monthly Skywatch to participate in the FREE Public Star Party.

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Star Store

Welcome to the Star Store, located in the Cernan Earth and Space Center in the I-Building. If you live near or plan to visit the Chicago area, you can visit the Cernan Earth and Space Center and its Star Store gift shop in person. The Star Store offers an assortment of unique gifts. Books, t-shirts, sweatshirts, binoculars, science discovery kits, coffee mugs, posters and unique toys are just a few of the many items for sale. Merchandise from the Star Store can also be ordered by telephone during regular business hours.

Nangle Book T-Shirts
Astro Food Glass Shelves

Cernan Center Star Store, Triton College
2000 North Fifth Avenue
I Building
River Grove, IL USA 60171
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3408

Star Store Hours
Monday thru Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have specific questions, please call the Cernan Center's Star Store Manager at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3272 or e-mail us at cernan@triton.edu.

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