Hallstrom Planetarium

The state-of-the-art Hallstrom Planetarium offers lectures and shows about planets, constellations and stars. Planetarium shows are live multimedia presentations that use special-effect projectors to tell stories about the planets and stars. Seventy-one reclining seats with headrests allow visitors to view the heavens from the comfort of armchairs.

2023-2024 Starlight Series

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Planetarium Open House & STEAM Talk: See the Stars
Find out what shows and sky events are coming up in 2023–2024. This event is free!
Sept. 23 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Sky Event: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch
Free, safe guided viewing will be conducted by the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society, Hallstrom Planetarium and IRSC’s student astronomy club. Seen as a partial eclipse on the Treasure Coast (nearly 65% of the sun’s disc obscured by the moon at maximum), the eclipse begins at approximately 11:55 a.m. and ends at 3:07 p.m.
Oct. 14 • 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Stars to Starfish
We explore the Universe; and we also explore the Earth’s watery seas, connecting the oceans below us with the ocean of stars above.
Oct. 20, 21 & Nov. 3, 4, 17, 18

Star of Wonder
An astronomer’s search for the mystery of the Nativity Star, a Hallstrom Planetarium tradition since 1993.
Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9

Tis the Season
The McAlpin Fine Arts Center and Hallstrom Planetarium team up for a day of music, food & stars. A 2:00 p.m. symphonic band concert, followed at 4:00 p.m. by festive food and drink, finishing with showings of “Star of Wonder” at 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., plus telescope views of the sky. All for just $50!
Dec. 2 • Concert at 2:00 p.m., Reception from 4:00–6:00 p.m., Planetarium Show at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

South for The Winter
See the stars change in the sky as you travel from Earth’s northern hemisphere all the way south to Antarctica.
Jan. 19, 20, Feb. 2, 3 & March 1, 2

Astronomy Day & STEAM Talk
Free open house with a NASA STEAM Talk at 5 p.m. and TCAS telescopes.
Feb. 17 • 3:00–9:00 p.m.

STEAM Talk: Robots and AI—The Past, Present and Future
Free lecture about robotics and artificial intelligence by IRSC Electronics Engineering Technology Professor Paul Godfrey.
March 30 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.

Sky Event: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch
Free, safe guided viewing of a solar eclipse, courtesy of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society. This total eclipse will be seen as a partial eclipse (60% at maximum at 3:03 p.m.). The eclipse begins here at 1:48 p.m. and ends at 4:16 p.m.
April 8 • 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Black Holes
Narrated by John de Lancie (“Q” from Star Trek), the show discusses the ins and the outs of black holes—actually, unless worm holes exist, there are no “outs” when we’re talking about black holes! A live star talk at the end of the program points out where you can find black holes in the sky.
April 19, 20, May 10, 11 & June 14, 15

STEAM Talk: The Celestial Tapestry
Free lecture showing the connection between art and astronomy.
April 27 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.

STEAM Talk: The Science in Science Fiction
Free lecture about good and bad science found in books, films and TV shows about science fiction, fantasy and space opera.
May 25 • 6:00–6:45 p.m.

View the entire season brochure.

More Shows

Planetarium Schedules, Seating and Ticketing

Seating is limited. Tickets should be purchased in advance at the Box Office. Questions about upcoming show may be directed to Box Office staff Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by sending email to boxoffice@irsc.edu or by calling 772-462-4750 or 1-800-220-9915.

Space is provided for guests with wheelchairs.

Skywatch

Listen to Skywatch, hosted by Planetarium Director, Jon U. Bell, for daily sky updates, weekdays at 6:30 and 8:30 and 11:59 a.m. on WQCS radio, 88.9FM and at 7:59 a.m. and 12:59 p.m. on WQCP radio, 91.1FM. Read and/or listen to Skywatch podcasts and transcripts.