Ward Beecher Planetarium will open its 2025-26 season with real-time explorations of the universe, family-friendly shows and a special program on the sun. Programs begin the weekend of Sept. 12-13.
The Planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. on the campus of Youngstown State University. Programs occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. Admission is free.
For schedules and other information, visit www.wbplanetarium.org… or call 330-941-1370. To request a schedule by mail, visit here. The Planetarium also maintains social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
SEPTEMBER
Explore Our Universe Live. Starship Ward Beecher will embark on a grand tour of the universe in real time. 8 p.m., Sept. 12-13.
Perfect Little Planet. Discover the solar system through the eyes of a family from another star system. This family-friendly event is a solar system journey for space travelers of all ages. 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 20, 27.
The Sun: Our Living Star. The sun has shone for 4.5 billion years. It’s our nearest star and Earth’s powerhouse – the source of the energy that drives our winds, weather and all life. Discover its secrets and experience never-before-seen images of the sun’s violent surface in a visually striking planetarium show. 8 p.m., Sept. 19-20, 26-27.
OCTOBER
Wizarding Weekend. This special event celebrates Harry Potter and the J.K. Rowling universe. Learn about the night sky and how it relates to the wizarding world. Test your knowledge for a chance to earn house points. Seating is first-come, first-seated. 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3 and 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4.
Nightlights. The Planetarium has hosted this annual Halloween event since 1974. For all ages, although younger visitors might be scared of the loud music and dark. Come in costume. 8 p.m., Oct. 10-11, 17-18 and 24; 3 p.m., 8 p.m., Oct. 25; 8 p.m., Oct. 31.
Night-LITE. Annual Halloween light and music extravaganza is presented in a fun, non-scary style. Visitors are invited to come in costume. All ages. 2 p.m., Oct. 11, 18, 25.
NOVEMBER
Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus & Andromeda. Features an animated constellations show for children and adults. Aesop the owl shares the stories behind the warrior Perseus, princess Andromeda and Cetus the terrible sea monster. 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Skywatch. The night sky changes with the seasons and so does the Planetarium’s “Skywatch” program. This live traditional star talk covers the current night sky, constellation lore and current astronomical events. 8 p.m., Nov. 1, 7.
We Are Stars. Explore the secrets of Earth’s cosmic chemistry and its explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the universe by following the formation of hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of carbon and the molecules for life. 8 p.m., Nov. 8, 14-15, 21-22.
DECEMBER
Let It Snow! Annual holiday music show celebrates winter with holiday music. The Planetarium’s dome comes to life in a seasonal program for families. 8 p.m., Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 20.
The Alien Who Stole Christmas. Features a tour of winter’s evening sky, followed by a space adventure with Saint Nick and Mr. Freep as they explore the solar system’s planets and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants. 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, 13.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Warren M. Young Lecture Series. Ward Beecher Planetarium will host programs on astronomy and space flight in November and March. For more information, visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
So You Want to Buy a Telescope. Experts from the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) will offer help and advice to telescope owners. The public is invited to bring their new telescopes (and ones that have been gathering dust) for one-on-one time with the MVAS experts. Visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter for dates, times and more information.
Rock The Dome Weekend. The Planetarium will present its annual rock and roll laser light shows Jan. 16-17. The lineup will feature several new shows and artists.
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