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. 

Starting June 6 (through Sept. 5), public shows are on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (children’s program) and 11:30 a.m. (general audience). Reservations are not required for most regular Saturday shows.

Summer Closed Dates:

  • Thursday, June 27
  • Saturday, June 29
  • Thursday, July 4
  • Thursday, August 22
  • Saturday, August 24

School and group programs are available.

Current Show: Children’s Program

The World at Night: This program, showing at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, is perfect for children who are animal lovers. Erie's own Presque Isle State Park offers many great sights, but what about the animals who venture out at night when the sky is dark and the stars come out? "Screepy the Toad" will introduce viewers to his friends and the constellations they see at night. This show is recommended for ages 5 and older.

Current Show: General Audience

Phantom of the Universe – The Hunt for Dark Matter: Dark Matter is believed to constitute 85 percent of the matter in the universe. Scientists around the world are collaborating to track down its constituents. This program, showing at 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, will reveal the first hints of its existence. 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