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 from Saturday, Dec. 21 through Friday, Jan. 3. Public shows will resume on Saturday, Jan. 4.

School and group programs are available.

A Star for Santa's Tree planetarium dome poster with tree, Santa photo, and snowman.

Current Show: Children’s Program

SHOWING JAN. 4:
A Star for Santa's Tree: This program follows Santa Claus and a Christmas dilemma he encounters. Santa needs to find a star for the top of his tree, but there are so many choices! Which star will he choose? For ages 5 and up.

COMING SOON! SHOWING JAN. 11–MARCH 22:
A to Z Astronomy: A family-friendly alphabetical journey through the galaxy, featuring a roller coaster ride from the aurora to the zodiac. For ages 4 and up.

Mystery of the Christmas Star planetarium dome poster with silhouette of three men riding camels beneath bright star.

Current Show: General Audience

SHOWING JAN. 4:
Mystery of the Christmas Star: This program investigates possible dates for the birth of Christ, looks at recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during this time frame, and explores which of these signs in the sky could have been remarkable enough to cause the wise men to travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem. For ages 8 and up.

COMING SOON! SHOWING JAN. 11–MARCH 22:
From Earth to the Universe: Discover the history of astronomy, the invention of the telescope, and how today's giant telescopes explore the universe's farthest reaches. 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.

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