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:

  • Saturday, October 12
  • Saturday, October 19
  • Saturday, October 26

School and group programs are available.

Spooky Space planetarium show poster with sun as fiery pumpkin with face

Current Show: Children’s Program

Spooky Space: This program, showing at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, is perfect for children who love Halloween. Kids will meet the stars of Halloween and their spooky counterparts in space. This show is recommended for ages 6 and older.

Moons: Worlds of Mystery planetarium show poster with text over partial moon image

Current Show: General Audience

Moons: Worlds of Mystery: This program, showing at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, will show how our Moon may have formed and how interesting other moons in our solar system can be. Moons: Worlds of Mystery is recommended for ages 9 and older.

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.

Erie, PA, Total Solar Eclipse Timeline showing stages from 2:02 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 8, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Penn State Behrend was in the "path of totality" for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. If you missed the pre-eclipse talk, A Celestial Treat: A Total Solar Eclipse Coming to Erie, by Dr. Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, you can watch a replay on YouTube. Dr. Williams discussed how eclipses occur and described what to expect in Erie.

Watch the lecture replay