Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend

Yahn Planetarium, part of the School of Science complex at Penn State Behrend, welcomes stargazers of all ages to learn about the universe and worlds beyond our reach. The planetarium continues the legacy of the Erie Planetarium, which served the Erie community for more than fifty years.

Yahn Planetarium entrance and display area

Public Show Information

Admission fees are $5 for adults; $3 for children age 12 and under; and free for Penn State employees, Penn State students, and children under age 2. 

Public shows are on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (children’s program) and 11:30 a.m. (general audience). Reservations are not required.

Closed Dates:

  • Closed on Saturday, April 5.
  • Closed on Saturday, April 12.
  • Closed on Saturday, June 21.

School and group programs are available.

Planetarium dome poster showing title, dinosaur, and golden flash.

Current Show: Children’s Program

Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? – Did a space rock six miles wide slam into Earth 66 million years ago, wiping out 75 percent of all living species, including the dinosaurs? Explore this impact and other cosmic collisions across the solar system in this dynamic show. For ages 6 and up.

Planetarium dome poster with title and closeup of sun.

Current Show: General Audience

Sunstruck – Travel back to the beginning of time to witness the birth of the Sun. Discover how it came to support life, how it threatens life as we know it, and how its energy will one day fade away. For ages 9 and up.

A group of children plays with a Mars rover model at Yahn Planetarium.

Group Visits and Other Programs

Yahn Planetarium offers out-of-this-world experiences for groups, from schools to scouts. Learn how to schedule your field trip and see what programs are available. You can also find activities that you can do at home.