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 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.
*** The Yahn Planetarium will be closed from December 22, 2018, until January 2, 2019. The Planetarium will reopen on January 3, 2019, for regular public show times. ***
Schedule
Thursdays
1:00 p.m. — "Mystery of the Christmas Star," recommended for ages 8 to adult.
Show Description: Take a journey to discover a scientific explanation for the star that the Wise Men followed to find baby Jesus.
Saturdays
1:00 p.m. — "Mystery of the Christmas Star," recommended for ages 8 to adult.
2:30 p.m. — "A Star for Santa's Tree" recommended for ages 5 to adult.
Show Description: Santa needs to find a star for the top of his tree, but there are so many choices! Which star will he choose?
*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.