Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend

Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend

Experience. Learn. Share.

For years, it’s been the place where thousands of young people and adults come to learn about the universe and worlds beyond our reach.

The Erie Planetarium served as a resource for the Erie community for more than fifty years, and it continues today as the Yahn Planetarium, now a part of Penn State Behrend. The planetarium is located in the School of Science complex on the Behrend campus.

General Public Show Information

Public courses are always changing at the Erie Planetarium.

Public shows are offered year-round at the Yahn Planetarium of Erie at Penn State Behrend. More than twenty shows are available for private groups to choose from, and programs for the general public change seasonally.

Public shows are offered Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. throughout the year except holidays, special event closings, etc. 

The Yahn Planetarium also encourages you to schedule a show for your next school or group outing. Learn more about group shows.

For additional information, contact planetarium director Jim Gavio at 814-898-7268 or jvg10@psu.edu.

Schedule

Thursdays

1:00 p.m. — "Cosmic Colors," recommended for ages 8 to adult.

Show Description: Learn about how colors and electromagnetic spectrum are all around us. Find out why the sky is blue and how we use various types of radiation in our everyday lives.

Saturdays

1:00 p.m. — "Cosmic Colors," recommended for ages 8 to adult.
2:30 p.m. — "Sky Tellers: Native American Star Stories" recommended for all ages.

Show Description: Learn about the Chickasaw legend of the creation of the constellations, and learn why the North Star stands still.

*All shows are followed by a look at the current night sky in the planetarium dome.*

Admission Prices

  • Adults — $5
  • Children, 12 and under — $3
  • All Penn State students, faculty , and staff receive free admission with Penn State id+ Card.