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

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. 

Closed Dates: November 22, December 27, and January 3

School and group programs are available.

Planetarium dome poster for Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? showing a roaring T. rex against a dramatic yellow-orange sunset with bold, cracked text.

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 and wipe out 75 percent of all living species, including the dinosaurs? Explore this cataclysmic impact and other cosmic collisions across the Solar System in this dynamic show. For ages 6 and up. Each show concludes with a guided tour of the current night sky in the planetarium.

No shows on November 22, December 27, and January 3.

Planetarium dome poster for Unveiling the Invisible Universe featuring two glowing orbs in space and credits for the film’s creators and funding.

Current Show: General Audience

Unveiling the Invisible Universe – For thousands of years, humans observed the night sky with only their eyes, until the invention of the telescope revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Now, with infrared, ultraviolet, and other wavelengths of light—as well as messengers like neutrinos and cosmic rays—we can uncover hidden wonders of the universe. See stunning images revealed by these discoveries. For ages 12 through adult. Each show concludes with a guided tour of the current night sky in the planetarium.

No shows on November 22, December 27, and January 3.

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.