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

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

Closed Dates & Schedule Changes:

  • October 3: CLOSED
  • October 17: CLOSED
  • October 31: 11:30 a.m. show canceled (The 10:00 a.m. show will run as scheduled)

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.

School and group programs are available.

Poster for Spooky Space featuring Halloween-themed space imagery.

10:00 a.m. Children’s Show: Spooky Space

Visit Yahn Planetarium for Spooky Space, a Halloween-season journey through the night sky. Learn the famous stories behind Halloween creatures and discover their counterparts among the stars.

Recommended for ages 8 and up. Each show concludes with a guided tour of the current night sky in the planetarium.

Poster for Phantom of the Universe narrated by Tilda Swinton.

11:30 a.m. General Audience Show: Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter

Yahn Planetarium presents Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter, an exploration of one of the universe’s greatest mysteries. Dark matter is believed to make up 85 percent of the matter in the universe, and scientists around the world are working to track down what it is made of. This show reveals the first hints of its existence and the search to understand it.

Recommended for ages 9 and up. Each show concludes with a guided tour of the current night sky in the planetarium.

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.